Center for Arts & Letters

Founded in 1989, The Center for Arts and Letters serves as the organizational hub and central resource for arts and humanities public programming at Rockhurst University, including exhibitions, performances, lectures, readings, book discussions and more!

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Our Mission

The mission of the Center for Arts & Letters is to present cultural events and experiences that make
multi-disciplinary connections across the Rockhurst campus and greater Kansas City.
Our objective is to engage audiences with thoughtful, intellectually engaging, and socially relevant issues
through liberal arts experiences to inspire cura personalis — “care for the whole person,”
foster social action through contemplation and deepen appreciation for
all expressions of human thought and culture.

Greenlease Gallery

The Greenlease Gallery and Panacea Project Space exhibit the Van Ackeren Collection of Religious Art, a permanent collection featuring objects from the 15th through 18th centuries, and a rotating exhibition schedule featuring works by contemporary artists. The Gallery is free and open to the public during the academic year.

Film Series

The Center's Film Series presents interrelated films each year. The co-curricular series partners with University academic departments. Past films have included foreign language films, films based on historical periods, films dealing with philosophical issues, films focusing on women's studies and other timely topics.

Midwest Poets Series

The Midwest Poets Series enhances the literary and intellectual lives of Rockhurst University, the Kansas City community, and the surrounding region. Events are free and in person and open to all. Support for the Midwest Poets Series is provided by the Missouri Arts Council and Center for Arts and Letters.

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The Musica Sacra of Kansas City

The Musica Sacra, Latin for "sacred music," Chorus and Orchestra performs sacred choral masterworks and is the ensemble-in-residence.

Open Minds Book Discussions

Open Minds is a series of book discussions facilitated by different Rockhurst University faculty, staff and presented in partnership with a local organization.

Visiting Scholar Lecture Series

The Visiting Scholar Lecture Series was established in 1955 to enrich the intellectual life of the University and provide free public lectures for the community.

Contact The Center for Arts & Letters

Need assistance or have a question about an event?
Please call 816-501-4510 or email us. We’d love to hear from you.