Mission & History

Mission & History

Nurturing students as artists and cultural leaders since 1973.

A student artist at work in an OFA studio space.

Mission

The Office for the Arts at Harvard cultivates a vibrant ecosystem for artmaking, empowering students to live creative and meaningful lives, regardless of experience or career path.

Through its programs and services, the OFA mentors and teaches, supports student-led art, connects students with accomplished artists, commissions new works, and forges partnerships across local, national, and global communities.

By nurturing students as artists and cultural leaders, the OFA affirms the arts as essential to a Harvard education and champions creativity as a force that enriches society and strengthens the communities we share.

History

Established in September 1973 by Harvard President Derek Bok and Radcliffe President Matina Horner, the Office for the Arts was created following a recommendation by Prof. James S. Ackerman. Originally based at Agassiz House, the OFA has grown to support student artmaking, artist residencies, and arts pedagogy for more than 50 years.

Milestones include:

  • 1973: The OFA was founded to foster the arts at Harvard, with Myra Mayman serving as the first director.
  • 1974: The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) established the Council on the Arts; the first guide to Harvard-Radcliffe arts groups was published.
  • 1975: Initiated OFA Grants for innovative student arts projects and inaugurated the "Learning from Performers" program, featuring artist residencies.
  • 1995: The Harvard Arts Medal was established to recognize excellence in the arts by alumni or faculty, awarded annually.
  • 2001: Jack Megan became the second director, growing programs significantly and serving in the role for 23 years before stepping down in 2024.
  • 2024: Fiona Coffey was named director of the OFA.

Today, the Office for the Arts is a hub for co-curricular art, mentoring, and commissioning new works. The OFA focuses on integrating the arts into the daily life of Harvard College students, bridging traditional academic spaces with studios, rehearsals, and performance venues. Over half of the Harvard undergraduate student body participates in OFA activities each year.