4th annual UAB Arts Week starts March 31—here’s how to enjoy these rising artists

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April is for the arts at UAB!

The UAB College of Arts and Sciences offers a variety of events and performance opps for its students, faculty, staff and the community year-round. 

But it’s shining an even brighter spotlight on these creative endeavors with its 4th annual Arts Week—starting Monday, March 31st and running through Tuesday, April 8th.

Come with us as we explore the exciting happenings at UAB—and learn how to join in on the fun at an upcoming event!

UAB Arts Week 2025: Know before you go

The College continues to find new and interesting ways to elevate the arts and celebrate creative activities from both our faculty and students.

_{Kecia M. Thomas, Dean of UAB’s College of Arts and Sciences}

What to know NOW about UAB Arts Week 2025:

• When: Monday, March 31 – Tuesday, April 8 and beyond. We’ll include details in the story below, but you can also find them here.
• Where: In and around the UAB campus in downtown Birmingham—see individual details and address below!
• Who’s invited: You are! All current and former students, faculty members and the general public are all welcome.
• What: Performances and presentations from students in the art and art history, English, history, music and theatre departments

Music: 6th annual PRISM concert on Monday

UAB’s Department of Music continues to thrive: The department recently launched a new music therapy concentration this academic year—learn more here. 

With more than 60 concerts a year—many of them at the phenomenal Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center—there are ample opportunities to enjoy the sounds of a wide-range of talented performers and formats.

Check out the 6th annual PRISM concert, which is a kick-off to Arts Week. Here’s how to feel the beat:

• When: Monday, March 31, 7PM
• Where: Alys Stephens’ Jemison Concert Hall: 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
• How much: Free for current UAB students with I.D., $15 for UAB employees and $25 for the general public

Film: Open house + student film showcase on Wednesday

The Department of History is home to UAB’s Media Studies program, which readies budding film enthusiasts for creative and successful careers across history, theory and the practice of media—in other words, these students are crafting dynamic docs, stellar short-films and much more.

Wednesday’s dual events for Art Week include an open house panel with faculty, followed by a showcase-screening of recent student work. Here’s all the action:

• When: Wednesday, April 2. The open house panel is 5-6PM; the film showcase runs from 6-8PM
• Where: The panel is at UAB’s Heritage Hall Media Commons, HHB 334; the showcase is across the street at the Hill Alumni Theatre
• How much: both events are free and open to the public

Poetry: Mersmann Award readings on Thursday

The Department of English‘s Creative Writing Program helps students hone their wordsmithing skills into stellar short stories, fiction, poetry and more. If poetry is your jam, this is the place for you: Pick up a copy of the department’s Birmingham Poetry Review, and make sure to attend a reading from its best and brightest, starting with this one at Art Week below.

The Mersmann Awards—named for professor Jim Mersmann, Ph.D.—celebrates the best in poetry writing and reading. Here’s the (rhyme and) reason to attend:

• When: Thursday, April 3 4:30-6PM
• Where: University Hall, 1402 10th Ave S, room 2005
• How much: Free and open to the public

Theatre: Disney’s “Freaky Friday” starts Friday, April 4

This collaborative performance between Theatre UAB and Red Mountain Theatre is packed with Blazers, including more than 20 students! It’s just one of the hundreds of full-length performances the Department of Theatre has played a role in, placing students centerstage.

“After our successful inaugural co-production of ‘Sister Act’ in the spring of 2024, the UAB Department of Theatre and Red Mountain Theatre will join forces once again to present the hilarious Disney musical comedy ‘Freaky Friday’!

Students, faculty and staff will direct, act, design, build and run performances while working alongside the talented professionals at Red Mountain Theatre. Don’t miss this high-octane event!

 _{Kelly Allison, MFA, chair of the Department of Theatre}

Tip: There are several opportunities to catch a show, including an accessible performance on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 PM. Those in need of these hearing and sight-assisted services should email boxoffice@redmountaintheatre.org for ticket assistance.

Here’s what to know about catching this freaky-fun show:

• When: Friday, April 4—Saturday, April 19
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre main stage, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• How much: Tickets start at $40 | Discounts for children under 12. Purchase tickets here
• Why? More fun details here!

Visual art: BFA Student juried exhibition begins April 8

Catch the works of visual artists on the cusp of graduating from UAB’s Department of Art and Art History at this student BFA exhibition. In addition to boosting their talents, students who journey through the program toward their degree learn communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Here’s how you can view these fine pieces:

• When: Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-5PM: April 8-May 2
• Where: Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts: 1221 10th Ave S
• How much: Free for all

Music: Jazz Ensemble Tuesday, April 8

That’s a wrap on the 4th annual Arts Week, though the beat goes on: Say farewell via the UAB Jazz Ensemble’s performance of big-band classics and modern tunes, led by Director Dr. Steven Roberts.

Name that tune here:

• When: Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center: 1200 10th Ave S
• How much: free for all to enjoy

Will you be attending some or all of these events? Tag @uabcas to let them know and help show your love for the arts in Birmingham!

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