About the Center
The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Louis University has established itself as the academic leader for programming in literature and the creative arts at the University.
The Center for Literary and Creative Arts will extend the reach of this programming beyond the classrooom to the broader community, connecting students, faculty, staff and the public through interdisciplinary programs and partnerships focused on publicly engaged scholarship, experiential learning and internships, public performance, lectures and creative showcases focused on literature and the arts.
Our Mission
The Saint Louis University Center for Literary and Creative Arts fosters inclusive, interdisciplinary and innovative programming where literature and creative expression thrive. Guided by Jesuit values, the center amplifies diverse voices, cultivates transformative learning experiences and connects students, faculty and the broader community through public discourse, research and partnerships.
By championing the literary and creative arts across disciplines, we inspire critical dialogue, nurture emerging artists and thinkers, and enrich the cultural life of St. Louis and beyond — preparing students with the communication, critical thinking and cultural literacy skills essential for leadership in a complex world.
What Makes CLCA Distinct
- A long-standing literary award at its core
- Strong connections across the region
- Work that moves across disciplines: writing, visual art, performance
- A mix of campus-based and public-facing programs
Creative Arts and Interdisciplinary Work
Some of the most interesting work happens when different forms start to overlap. The center supports projects that bring together writing, visual art, music and performance — often in ways that don’t stay neatly in one category.
It gives people another way into the work, especially for those who might not come to it through reading alone.
Strategic Plan
The Center for Literary and Creative Arts is building on work that has been growing at Saint Louis University for decades, while also opening up new directions for the years ahead. Right now, the focus is on three areas.
Literary Arts
We continue to build around the St. Louis Literary Award and the programs connected to it. That includes bringing writers to campus each year, expanding public events and conversations, and strengthening connections with publishers, scholars and literary organizations.
Creative Work Across Disciplines
The center supports creative work in a broader sense — not just writing, but visual art, performance and interdisciplinary projects. This includes collaborations across departments, as well as events and showcases that give students and faculty a chance to share their work publicly.
Community Engagement
A big part of the center’s work happens beyond campus. We partner with schools, libraries and arts organizations across St. Louis, and we’re continuing to build programs that connect students with the wider community through workshops, shared reading programs and public events.
Looking Ahead
In the next phase, the goal is to grow these programs in a way that’s steady and sustainable.
That means:
- Deepening partnerships with schools and community organizations
- Expanding student involvement and leadership opportunities
- Developing new programs that connect creative work with public life
- Building long-term support through grants, donors, and institutional backing
- The aim is not to build something separate, but to strengthen and connect the work that is already happening—and make it more visible, more accessible, and more impactful over time.