UK College of Fine Arts takes the world stage

From the theatres of London's West End to the streets of Istanbul to the concert halls of Corfu to a Parisian classroom, University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts students are turning the entire globe into their classroom.

This summer, students and faculty from the UK College of Fine Arts embarked on several Education Abroad experiences, bringing the creative excellence of the Commonwealth to some of the world's most culturally important destinations.

London: Living Inside British Theatre

Students from the departments of Arts Administration and Theatre and Dance traveled to London for an immersive study-abroad experience in one of the world's most vibrant arts capitals. “This program placed our students at the heart of the British theatre scene, where they attended productions at some of the most critically acclaimed venues in our industry — including the National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe, and London’s West End,” said Christina Ritter, senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

For many, the experience was transformative. "Getting the opportunity to go abroad to London is an experience I will never forget,” said Grace Hoffmann, a senior double-majoring in theatre and political science. “This experience challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, strengthening my passion for the arts and exploration as a whole.”

students posing on bridge in london, england

students looking at camera from inside a theatre

Türkiye: Finding Presence and Place Through the Lens

Set primarily in Izmir, Istanbul, and Cappadocia, Turkey, the Digital Photo Journal of Presence and Place: Türkiye program invited School of Art and Visual Studies students to engage with Turkey through digital photography, collaborative storytelling, and personal reflection. Students produced work ranging from photo essays to multimedia design projects, culminating in a curated digital journal.

group of people looking at camera standing on street in Turkey

Paris: Breaking Down Barriers for Graduate Students

For students in the online Masters in Arts Administration program, an elective course in Paris offered something rare: the chance to learn in person, in one of the world's great arts capitals.

For Megan Knight, a master’s degree student who balances full-time work with her graduate studies, the trip - made possible by the Michael Braun Endowed Fund – was more than she expected.

"I never really thought studying abroad would be an option for me as a graduate student, especially in an online program," she said. "This trip felt like a chance to learn in a new place, meet people face-to-face, and experience a different culture while still continuing my studies. It made me feel truly seen and supported."

student standing in front of the eiffel tower in paris — Megan Knight, master's degree student

Corfu: A Symphony of International Collaboration

Students from the School of Music participated in the 4th annual Corfu International Trumpet Festival in Corfu, Greece, a cultural initiative led by Jason Dovel, D.M.A., professor of trumpet and director of the bilateral partnership between the University of Kentucky and Ionian University.

Colin Selch, a Bachelor of Music Performance student, and Darik Johnson, who earned his Bachelor of Music Performance degree in May 2026, collaborated with students from Ionian University and members of the historic Mantzaros Philharmonic, joined by a distinguished group of UK trumpet alumni now teaching at universities across the country.

The festival culminated on June 21, in celebration of World Day for Music. Cody Birdwell, D.M.A., director of the University of Kentucky Bands, served as guest conductor for the Mantzaros Philharmonic, while Dovel performed as a featured soloist.

students and faculty standing in front of blue ocean in corfu, greece — UK students, alumni, and faculty on top of the Old Fortress in Corfu, Greece. [L-to-R: Darik Johnson (BM '26), Colin Selch (BM '29), Allie Woodbury (MM '21), Coleman Scott (BMME '19), Stephen Wadsack (DMA '24), along with Dr. Cody Birdwell and Dr. Jason Dovel]

A College That Travels

These four experiences reflect something important about the College of Fine Arts: we believe that students learn best when they get out into the world and experience the arts firsthand Whether on a London stage, through a camera lens in Istanbul, in a Parisian classroom, or performing with international musicians on a Mediterranean island, our students are not just studying the arts. They are living them, all over the globe.