College of Fine Arts looks ahead as What Starts Here campaign fuels the future

In life, milestones are often celebrated in terms of decades — and so, it is fitting that the historic “What Starts Here” Campaign at UT celebrates the philanthropic impact that alumni, families, friends, faculty, staff and students have made possible during the past 10 years. The College of Fine Arts is especially proud of its contributions to this university-wide campaign. Thanks to all who believe in the work the College of Fine Arts does to train the next generation of creatives, the college has raised more than $250 million during the past decade, demonstrating that the arts matter at UT Austin. If what starts here changes the world, fine arts supporters have quite literally started a global movement.  

But the story is much bigger than the dollars raised, because these philanthropic dollars translate into impact for students, faculty and staff, who are poised to achieve even greater things in the years ahead through the resources raised. Consider the impact of 116 new endowed scholarships, six endowed faculty positions and 45 endowed program funds. Through current, endowed and planned gifts, the entire creative UT community benefits from this philanthropy. These gifts support faculty work, enhance the educational experience and open new pathways for fine arts alumni as they embark on their careers as artists, educators and scholars or as they work in the artistic, educational, mission-driven nonprofit, for-profit and entrepreneurial sectors.

Heading into fall 2026, there are future decades to celebrate, including the 10th anniversary of Arts and Entertainment Technologies at UT, a department that was launched with the support of philanthropists who believed in its future. 

And not too far away, 2027 will mark the start of the 90th anniversary of the College of Fine Arts. As the community prepares to reflect on the nine decades that have helped to shape the college, the college leadership looks forward to working with supporters to ensure that people, places, performances and practices continue to grow in impactful ways through the generosity of a community that believes in the power of the arts in the world.