Morehouse College has been featured in a major new study released by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Hidden in Plain Sight: Activating the Arts and Creative Workforce Development at HBCUs. Conducted by 2M Research, the two-volume report highlights the vital role Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play as centers of arts education, cultural expression, and creative workforce preparation.
The study illustrates how HBCUs serve as national and regional anchors for the arts, preparing students for careers across creative industries and related fields. Through comprehensive research, interviews, and case studies, the report explores how institutions sustain arts programming, cultivate talent, and contribute to cultural ecosystems.
As part of the research, the Atlanta University Center Consortium, including Morehouse College, was selected as one of only three national case study sites. The research team conducted virtual focus groups with AUC faculty, students, alumni, and community partners to better understand the region’s rich arts landscape. These conversations examined cross-sector arts programs, cultural assets such as venues and community activities, and the broader impact of these initiatives on surrounding neighborhoods.
Each case study has a dedicated chapter in the report appendix, offering a detailed overview of the site’s arts and cultural infrastructure. The AUC chapter includes anonymous perspectives from focus group participants about the opportunities and challenges of sustaining strong arts programs, building creative partnerships, and accessing funding. The case study is accompanied by a three-page infographic presenting key themes and high-level findings.
Together, the study’s insights aim to strengthen how HBCUs support arts education and expand creative workforce pathways for their students. The report also encourages philanthropic partners to invest more deeply in HBCUs’ existing arts and cultural assets. To ensure relevance and impact, the study was guided by an expert advisory group representing national arts organizations, HBCUs, and private and public funders.