When I joined ISSS’ Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team in May, I was excited to take on a project that aligned with my interests. I earned my master’s in art education from UT Austin in 2020, where I spent much of my time exploring the University’s incredible arts resources.
Over time, I noticed that many in our community — especially international students — were not always aware of these opportunities. I wanted to help bridge that gap by creating shared cultural experiences through art. This idea inspired our Museum Visit series, which introduces international students to the vibrant art scene on campus and encourages them to carry those experiences into broader conversations with their peers.
Blanton Museum of Art
Our first visit was to the Blanton Museum of Art in July. The Blanton is one of the largest university art museums in the country, housing more than 21,000 works that span centuries and continents.
During our visit, we explored highlights from the permanent collection. A museum educator guided us through works ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary sculpture, helping students connect historical context to present-day themes. For some in our group, it was their first time visiting the Blanton, making it especially rewarding to introduce this free, rich, and accessible resource to a new audience.
Whether you’re drawn to art, design, or quiet reflection, the Blanton offers an inspiring experience for all visitors. Visit the Blanton Museum website to learn more about current exhibitions and upcoming events.
Harry Ransom Center
In August, we toured the Harry Ransom Center. A world-renowned humanities research library and museum, the Harry Ransom Center preserves and shares literary and cultural treasures that have shaped modern thought. Its collections include original manuscripts by writers such as Gabriel García Márquez, Virginia Woolf, and James Joyce, as well as art, iconic photographs, films, and performing arts materials. The Ransom Center’s free exhibitions and public programs invite visitors to explore how stories are created, shared, and remembered.
During our visit, we explored the exhibition “Freedom to Write, Freedom to Read: The Story of PEN.” The exhibition explored PEN’s global advocacy for writers and freedom of expression, spotlighting the voices of authors and activists who have risked much to speak out.
For many students, the exhibit sparked reflection on the importance of free speech in their own countries and the different ways it is protected — or challenged — around the world. It was a meaningful way to connect global themes of justice and expression with students’ perspectives, furthering our goal of fostering cross-cultural dialogue through the arts.
Landmarks Public Art Program
September’s tour took us outside along Speedway, where we explored several sculptures and digital installations from the Landmarks public art collection. Featuring works commissioned or on loan (some from the Metropolitan Museum of Art), Landmarks is part of the UT Austin’s Art in Public Spaces initiative, which allocates 1-2% of capital project funding to public art.
Several students shared that they had passed by these artworks daily without knowing their significance and appreciated the chance to learn about the stories behind them.
Students left the tour with a deeper appreciation for the role of public art on campus, noting how it transformed familiar spaces into opportunities for reflection, curiosity, and conversation. Visit the Landmarks website to find upcoming tours and artist features.
Upcoming Fall Tours
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about the culture surrounding you, we’d love for you to join one of our upcoming tours! These visits are open to all international students and offer a welcoming space to explore, reflect, and connect.
Museum Walk: Exploring the Blanton Museum of Art
Tuesday, November 4 | 2-3 p.m.
Join us for an engaging visit to the Blanton Museum of Art, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour led by a museum educator who will share the stories behind some of the museum’s most inspiring works.
Museum Walk: Exploring the Harry Ransom Center
Tuesday, December 2 | Time TBD
Join us for this chance to explore the Ransom Center’s incredible collections and experience the stories behind some of the world’s most influential works of art and literature.
You can find all our upcoming events and registration information on the Texas Global events page. We hope to see you there!
This blog post was contributed by Kristin Garrison-Baker, administrative associate on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
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