“ . . . If we accept the proposition that the arts offer a uniquely accessible path to truth, and especially to truth made manifest in the sensual world, then the arts quickly take an important place alongside the spiritual dimension of the University, and the public presentation of the arts should be accorded a high priority in Notre Dame’s strategic planning. As strong as the connections are between the arts and academic excellence, they are stronger yet between the arts and the life of the spirit.”

— Public Presentation of the Arts Strategic Plan, 2002

Since opening its doors in September 2004, the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center has become an integral part of the University and local community. Now welcoming more than 100,000 patrons per year, the center facilitates learning reflective of the University’s distinctive liberal arts tradition through the exploration of music, dance, theater and cinema.  

Home to five performance venues, a performer’s hall, scene and costume shops, numerous classrooms and more, it may be difficult to ignore the center’s physical presence. The raw size and footage of the center is impressive, yet the center’s real strength is its emotional and intellectual impact of integrating the arts into Notre Dame student and community life.

Beginning in 2007, the center chose to focus its curatorial vision on engagement and commissioning. In doing so, the center welcomes national and world acclaimed musicians, dancers, actors and filmmakers to interact with the University and community. This exchange of knowledge enriches all.

“It was a life-changing experience for those who sang, and other students were bowled over. I would call it an unqualified success!” said Department of Music faculty regarding a master class taught by opera singer Denyce Graves.

In commissioning new works—whether theater, dance or music—the center is establishing the University of Notre Dame as a leader in the performing arts. Without the involvement of commissioners such as the University, new works of art are often not created. New works require time, money and other resources. In many ways, this commitment to the arts is no different than funding research in the fields of science. Both exercises allow new discoveries and exploration of ideas.

In March 2008, the center held its first world premiere of newly commissioned music. The Kronos Quartet performed the world premiere of Terry Riley’s Transylvanian Horn Courtship. The following academic year, the center hosted the world premiere drama RFK: The Journey to Justice, presented by L.A. Theatre Works.

The center’s Browning Cinema has established itself as the location for cinematic arts, film series, filmmaker visits and more. The film series are a combination of academically supported and sponsored films. On average each academic year, the cinema hosts at least 15 distinct film series and 60 world or regional premieres. More than one half of the cinema programming directly supports the University’s academic mission.

The center’s cinema has hosted filmmakers, directors, producers and writers, including Tim Robbins (actor, director, writer), Phil Donahue (director, television host), Ramin Bahrani (director, writer), Sean Astin (actor, director) and Georges Schwizgebel (director, animator).

Additionally, the cinema presents the PAC Classic 100 film series. This series highlights what may be considered the best 100 films created. Each academic year the cinema screens 25 films, thus allowing University students the opportunity to view all 100 films while pursuing their four-year undergraduate degree. Films from directors Hitchcock, Fellini, Welles, Spielberg and Kubrick are just a few of the films offered.

With its high-profile location on the south end of campus, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center has been described as a gateway for the local community to access the University. With a firm commitment to the arts now in place, this gateway is wide open for all. The center welcomes visitors who have a passion to explore, learn and seek knowledge only available through the performing and cinematic arts.