Blue Connection
A Student-Run Arts Entrepreneurship Learning Lab
Blue Connection is Millikin University's student-run arts entrepreneurship learning lab. Students develop, promote, exhibit, and share creative work while learning how arts organizations, community projects, and creative businesses operate. Working with faculty mentors and student leaders, participants take on meaningful responsibilities that help them build leadership skills, professional confidence, and practical experience before graduation.
"Students don't just learn about leadership. They practice it."
Who Participates?
Blue Connection is a required component of the School of Art & Creative Media experience for students in Art, Art Education, Art Therapy, and Graphic Design. The program helps students connect their creative practice with professional skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers and graduate programs.
Leadership & Professional Development
Millikin's Arts & Entrepreneurship Program with Blue Connection is a three-credit course sequence typically experienced over three semesters. Students often begin as new team members and gradually move into leadership positions with increasing responsibility. Students may serve in roles such as Account Manager, Gallery Manager, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, Curatorial Director, Event Coordinator, and other leadership positions. In these roles, they manage projects, coordinate events, work with artists and community partners, develop marketing strategies, mentor peers, and help guide organizational decisions. By graduation, many students have built a substantial record of leadership, project management, and professional accomplishments that strengthens their resumes, portfolios, graduate school applications, and career opportunities.
Entrepreneurship & Community Impact
Blue Connection reflects the many ways artists, designers, educators, and therapists contribute to their communities. Students explore initiatives that support artists, promote wellness, expand access to the arts, and strengthen community connections, including:
- Exhibitions
- Pop-up events and festivals
- Online sales and auctions
- Campus retail initiatives
- Wellness workshops
- Educational workshops
- Community partnerships
- Social entrepreneurship projects
Whether leading a workshop, developing a community partnership, or launching a new initiative, students gain experience turning ideas into action.
Stay Connected
Stay connected with Millikin's Big Blue Connection by following us on your favorite social media sites.
