Arts & Culture
Art & Culture at Valpo
Spaces for Artistic Expression
Arts from Abroad
Culture has a home at Valpo, where you can explore artistic traditions from around the world. You can explore diverse, global cultures right on Valpo’s campus with events such as the international film series and the World Banquet co-sponsored by the Valparaiso International Student Association and International Programs.
Student-Led Arts
Valpo students often create their own opportunities, from impromptu flash mobs to perennial performance powerhouses. Student organizations focusing on arts include these campus favorites and more.
VUVox is Valparaiso University’s dynamic all‑male a cappella ensemble, part of a vibrant student‑led arts community on campus. They’re known for lively harmonies and energetic performances. As a select group, they offer opportunities for members to hone musicality, stage presence, and ensemble skills in a supportive brotherhood of vocal talent.
Valparaiso University Ballroom offers dance lessons and social events as well as fielding a competitive ballroom-dance team, all with the goal of furthering the practice of Ballroom Dance in Valparaiso.
Happy Dancing!
VUDU Comedy is the best and only improv troupe on Valparaiso University’s campus.
VUDU was formed in 1998 by John Santellano. In their first constitution, they wrote that “the purpose of VUDU is a simple one: make people laugh. VUDU Comedy is here to help everyone enjoy [their] time at Valparaiso University.” Since then, it has only grown.
The Handbell Choir performs in the Chapel of the Resurrection at select services throughout the academic year, including Advent/Christmas Vespers, Transfiguration Vespers, and Palm/Passion Sunday. They also perform at concerts and off-campus services. The choir is led by a student, under the direction of the director of chapel music
Hooked on Tonics is Valpo’s mixed acappella group. The group, which focuses on popular music and a small, student-led atmosphere, offers a different experience than the other choirs on campus.
The Lighter is Valparaiso University’s student-run literary arts magazine that publishes creative works by the student body. Each semester we release a new publication that is available in print and online for free. We celebrate students’ creative abilities and function to shine a light on art, poetry, photography, and many other creative avenues.
Every year, you can participate in Wordfest, a celebration of the beauty of the written word. You can interact with writers of all genres, such as poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction prose. Student writers are immersed in writing through workshops, meetings with writers, and joint classroom experiences.