Creatives @ the Barnett
The Barnett Center for Integrated Arts and Enterprise is excited to announce the debut of Creatives @ the Barnett. The one semester program is designed for pairs of undergraduate and graduate students to create interdisciplinary projects with the support of a dedicated faculty mentor, a budget to cover expenses, and the opportunity to join a community of other talented visionaries.
Benefits to cohort members include:
- Empower students to pursue bold creative ideas.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Build leadership, project management, and creative problem-solving skills.
- Connect students with mentors and professional networks.
- Create projects that positively impact communities and audiences.
- Showcase student innovation through a final public presentation and celebration.
Learn how students transformed their ideas into impactful projects during the program pilot.
Pairs are selected by competitive application the semester prior to the cohort experience. Once selected, the pairs will work alongside a selected faculty member to help guide them to their final vision of the project. The projects will then be showcased in a final gala concert hosted at The Barnett Center!
Whether your interests lie in visual art, theatre, design, creative writing, media art, dance, music, or another creative expression, Creatives @ the Barnett strives to provide the space, resources, and guidance to bring your collaborative idea to reality.
Applications are now open.
What is Creatives @ the Barnett Center?
Creatives @ the Barnett Center is a cohort-based program that brings together student creators from across the university to develop innovative projects that showcase interdisciplinary partnerships. Participants work alongside a creative partner, receive guidance from experienced faculty mentors, and gain access to funding that helps turn cross-disciplinary ideas into reality.
For one full semester, three pairs of students will work to create an interdisciplinary project that shows the creativity, passion, and work ethic that can arise from cross-disciplinary work. The pairs will have meetings, check-ins, and eventually a final showcase to display their work.
How Is This Connected to the Barnett Center Mission?
The Barnett Center believes that creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship are powerful tools for creating meaningful change. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, encouraging curiosity, and supporting student-driven initiatives, the Barnett Center helps students develop the confidence and skills needed to become leaders, creators, and changemakers.
Creatives @ the Barnett Center embodies this vision by providing students with the resources, mentorship, and community needed to transform ideas into action. The program encourages participants to think boldly, work collaboratively, and embrace the creative process from concept to completion. Whether developing a new product, producing an artistic work, launching a community initiative, or exploring an innovative solution to a problem, students gain hands-on experience that reflects the Barnett Center's commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Why Join?
Funding for Your Vision
Accepted teams receive up to $1,500 in project funding for their pair to support materials, equipment, research, production, and other project-related expenses.
Faculty Mentorship
Each team is paired with a selected faculty mentor who provides guidance, feedback, and support throughout the creative process. This faculty mentor will work with the group for the whole semester.
Build Valuable Skills
- Creative problem solving
- Project management
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Communication and presentation
- Leadership and professional development
Expand Your Network
Connect with fellow student creators, faculty experts, alumni, and industry professionals who can help support your future goals.
Program Timeline
Applications Open
September 8th, Thursday
Information Session
September 28th, Thursday [6pm]
Room: Barnett Collaboratory 141
Application Deadline
October 18th, Sunday
Acceptance Notifications
November 2nd, Monday
Cohort Kickoff
December 1st, Tuesday [Time ETA]
Room: Barnett Collaboratory 141
Program Events
- Cohort Workshop— [Week of February 15th]
- Cohort Dress Rehearsal — [Week of April 5th]
- Ending Interviews — [Week of April 19th]
Final Gala & Project Showcase
[Week of April 12th]
Celebrate the completion of your project and share your work with the Ohio State community, faculty, alumni, and supporters.
Application Details
You Must Apply as a Pair!
Creatives @ the Barnett Center is designed around collaboration. Students must apply with a partner and a shared vision for a project they want to develop.
Have an Idea but Need a Partner?
Join one of our Speed-Idea Events to meet potential collaborators, exchange ideas, and form a project team.
Apply With a Vision
You don't need a fully developed project plan, but you should have a clear concept, challenge, or opportunity you want to explore through your work. We are looking for students who are excited to create, experiment, and bring their ideas to life.
Program Expectations
Being selected for the program comes with a commitment to your team (mentor, partner and cohort), to the program (events, timelines), and the cohort experience.
Participants are expected to:
- Attend all required cohort meetings.
- Actively engage with their faculty mentor.
- Respond promptly to program communications.
- Participate in scheduled check-ins and progress updates.
- Maintain consistent progress on their project.
- Contribute positively to the cohort community.
Required Cohort Meetings
- Program Kickoff
- Mid-Semester Check-In
- Project Development Workshop
- Progress Showcase / Dress Rehearsal
- Final Gala & Presentation
FAQ
When can I apply for Creatives @ The Barnett?
The application process for Creatives @ the Barnett will be held the semester before cohort experience, meaning if you are applying for Spring 2027 you must apply Fall 2026. Make sure to stay engaged with our webpage to see when deadlines are arriving!
Do I have to apply as a pair in the application?
Yes, the application will have to be done as a pair and not individually.
Do I have to apply with a fully realized project?
Although recommended to have a good concept of a plan, it is not required that a project is fully realized in the application process. Make sure to have a project that is realistic and inspiring!
Ready to Create?
Join a community of student innovators, makers, artists, designers, storytellers, and entrepreneurs who are transforming ideas into reality!
Applications are now open.
Questions can be directed to Creatives @ the Barnett Coordinator, Brandon Golpe. BarnettCenter@osu.edu