The work of a university is to explore rich, complex questions.  

Join us on the Heinz Memorial Chapel Lawn at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9, for the launch of Black Lives in Focus, a University-wide initiative that offers the opportunity to explore one such question — What do we learn when Black life is in focus? — while amplifying and showcasing Black lives and voices.

The initiative's inaugural projects include a multimedia exhibition of art and text; the “Say Her Name” Memorial Gown project; Black Built Pitt, a multi-media tour of historically important sites of Black history on the Pittsburgh campus; and the establishment of a website hub for events and programs across disciplines that put Black lives in focus.

Visit the Black Lives in Focus website to learn more. 

Today, it’s just a parking space.... But what could it be?

Every September, people around the world turn metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces for a day: temporary parklets, creative interventions, and social spaces.

On Friday, Sept. 17, the Center for Creativity and several University partners come together to present a Pitt PARK(ing) Day event on Schenley Drive at Hillman Library.

We'll turn parking spots into interactive spaces designed to ignite your creativity and rethink the urban landscape.

Join us for a day of celebration and (re)vision!

In the third season of our Processing... podcast, we explore the Text & conText Lab, our partnership space with the University Library System. We talk printing and propaganda, the juxtaposition of old letterpresses and new technology, the preservation of the printed page, and more! Check out our new episode, and stay tuned.

It's almost Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, and there's lots on tap this year, including a film screening, music, and the virtual Latinx Connect conference

To help celebrate, the Center for Creativity and Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are hosting an online showcase for creative work relevant to Hispanic/Latina/e/o/x racial, ethnic, and cultural identity.  

Artifacts may be submitted in any preferred language and include but are not limited to: poems, songs, dance, recipes, visual art, photographs, short films, narratives, and souvenirs. 

For guidelines or to send in your artifact, see our submission form.

ARTificial provides students with an avenue for creative expression absent in the required coursework for most non-art-related majors and minors, and allows art majors and minors to take on projects beyond the classroom. Connect with other students with a passion for creating: email pitt.artificial@gmail.com for more info.

Creativity in the Community

• Sept. 2, 9, & 16 | What's the Big Idea? (info session)
• Sept. 8-13 | SHRS and ReelAbilities Pittsburgh (film screenings)
• Sept. 9 | The Playlist: Live Music, Inspired Comedy
• Sept. 9 | Shemekia Copeland (music)
• Sept. 10 | Introduction to 3D Scanning (online)
• Sept. 10 | Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District 
• Sept. 10 | Balafon West African Dance Ensemble
• Sept. 10 | 1Hood (performance)
• Sept. 11 | Yanlai Dance Academy
• Sept. 11 | Black Voices: Celebrating August Wilson Through Spoken Word
• Sept. 14 | Jazz Poetry Month: Norihide Nakajima Quintet 
• Sept. 15 | Latino Americans Pittsburgh Screening Celebration
• Sept. 16 | Building Digital Exhibits with Omeka
• Sept. 16 | Book Duet: Carla Nappi and David Marshall
• Sept. 20 | Jazz Poetry Month: Bad Activist
• Sept. 21 | Adobe Stock & Illustrator: Draw Inspiration From Anywhere
• Sept. 21 | Raising the Dead: Exploring George A. Romero’s Archives

After many long months, the streets of the Cultural District will again be bustling, the theaters and galleries will be full, and arts lovers from around the region and beyond will share experiences, live and in person.

Lights On! A Three-Day Celebration of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District marks this occasion with free outdoor performances, exhibitions, and more from Sept. 9-11.

Lights On! is sponsored by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan and is the official kick-off event to Allegheny Regional Asset District's RADical Days. Additional support is provided by The Heinz Endowments and Richard King Mellon Foundation.