Hamilton offers numerous programs and events that benefit the cultural life of the campus community and the surrounding area.
The College's Emerson Gallery hosts exhibitions and related events, including gallery talks, lectures, workshops, performances and films. The gallery's permanent collection is available for student and faculty research and study and includes a wide range of works that represent different cultures, historical periods and art forms. Plans are under way to construct a new museum/gallery in the near future.
The department of Dance and Movement Studies sponsors major performances and presents student-choreographed and student-performed works throughout the year. Student-run dance ensembles also hold public performances. The College's professional performing arts series frequently brings noteworthy dancers and dance ensembles to campus for performances and workshops throughout the year.
Several student-run organizations sponsor films for entertainment and education on campus. Genres include foreign films, classic and fine art films, and musicals, as well as current motion pictures. In addition, film showings for particular courses are occasionally open to the public.
The Department of Music provides instruction in a wide variety of musical traditions and sponsors master classes and lectures by prominent scholars and visiting artists. The College's eight ensembles perform regularly, and students and faculty members give solo performances through concerts, musicales and recitals. Several student-run musical groups add to the variety of concerts and performances on the Hill.
The Department of Music also houses a Jazz Archive that includes more than 180 interviews with legendary jazz artists and vintage jazz recordings.
Hamilton sponsors two professional performing arts series: Classical Connections and Contemporary Voices and Visions. Recent performers included Marian McPartland, Michael Brecker, le Percussions de Strasbourg, American Ballet Theatre 2, the Pacifica Quartet and others. Previous perfomances have included Dianne Reeves, Tim Miller, Syracuse Symphony, Chatham Baroque, and H.T. Chen and Dancers.
The department of Theatre produces two to three major theatrical productions and many student-directed shows each year. In addition, student-run theatrical groups produce performances regularly.
Many other College offices and student organizations sponsor events that enhance the culture life on campus. Of special note are the programs sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, including the Acoustic Coffeehouse series.
