Officials at Belmont University and Watkins College of Art, Design & Film recently signed an agreement that benefits students at both institutions as well as the arts community in Nashville and beyond.
Through this agreement, which became effective this semester, Belmont will broaden opportunities for its students by allowing them to pursue a minor in film through the Film School at Watkins. Additionally, students in the Belmont Honors Program may take supplemental courses at Watkins. Watkins will broaden opportunities for its students by offering them the chance to take courses in Belmont’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Per this agreement, Watkins students may also pursue more diverse course offerings though Belmont’s Department of General Education. Watkins students may use these courses as free electives or courses for specific substitution.
According to Ellen Meyer, president of Watkins College of Art, Design & Film, “With the role that both institutions play in Nashville’s creative culture, this is a natural partnership that further integrates Watkins’ leadership and resources in art, design and film into Nashville’s broader creative community. Given Belmont’s leadership in music and entertainment, as well as its broad general education program, this is a great opportunity to build upon the strengths and resources of both institutions to benefit students, expanding upon the natural connection between the visual and performing arts.”
Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns added, ““Belmont is pleased to be able to formally collaborate with Watkins College of Art, Design, & Film through this agreement. With this partnership we not only create unique opportunities for students at both of our institutions, but we also hope to foster novel academic, cultural and creative collaborations through our shared commitment to students and to Nashville.”
About Watkins College of Art, Design & Film
Watkins College of Art, Design & Film is the only regionally and nationally accredited college of art and design in Middle Tennessee, and one of only 41 in North America. It offers a studio-based curriculum for its Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree programs in Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Photography. It also offers a Bachelor of Art in Art and a Professional Certificate in Film for those who already have an undergraduate degree. A unique and historic institution to the region, its film school is one of the only accredited programs in the southeast where students experience true hands-on filmmaking from the time they arrive on campus. The film courses are taught by award-winning industry professionals and students learn about the entire art form of film-making during their program.
