The Learning From Performers (LFP) program was established in 1975 by the Office for the Arts (OFA) in order to facilitate direct engagement between Harvard students and gifted artists. The program hosts 15 to 20 artists annually in music, dance, theater, film/television, visual arts and inter-disciplinary arts. These artists lead workshops, master classes, seminars, and informal discussions, and also engage in longer-term residencies that sometimes culminate in performances, exhibitions and new works. In recent years, LFP artists have been increasingly involved with students and faculty as part of FAS courses. The impact of the program is broadened by connecting these artists to other Harvard resources such as the JFK School of Government, the Institute of Politics, the Nieman Foundation for Journalism, and the Divinity School.

All artist residencies are planned in close consultation with the artist and most are open to the general public. With permission of the artist, sessions are recorded and made available for research at the Morse Music and Media Collection at Lamont Library.