While a performance at the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) may only last for a few hours, the conversations and connections it sparks can last much longer.
That idea is at the heart of the Interdisciplinary Arts Community Sessions (IACS). IACS are interactive, on-campus events designed to connect students, faculty and the broader Madison community with artists. IACS creates opportunities to explore the ideas behind a performance through open conversations, rather than a traditional lecture.
What is IACS?
Interdisciplinary Arts Community Sessions is an invitation to scholars, students, and anyone curious to engage in conversations with professional artists across different disciplines. IACS are hosted in collaboration between the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) and the WUT. Each session is carefully developed in collaboration with faculty and campus partners to create meaningful connections between the artist’s work and classroom learning. To learn more about the creation of IACS, visit the OMAI website.
Rather than focusing exclusively on a performance, composer, author, or specific work, these moderated conversations provide enlightening insight into the artists’ experiences, hopes, beliefs, and personal and professional endeavors that have shaped their work by exploring topics like artistic identity, creative processes, storytelling, social impact, collaboration and innovation. Through storytelling and Q&A, participants gain a deeper understanding of what the artists’ intentions are and what that means to the listener.
IACS reflects the Wisconsin Idea by extending learning beyond the classroom and creating spaces where ideas can be shared across disciplines.
The result is an atmosphere that is academically engaging without feeling overly formal. It is a place where curiosity drives the conversation.
You’re Invited to the Conversation
One of the best parts about the IACS is that everyone is welcome. Sessions are free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members, regardless of academic background or prior knowledge.
If you’re attending your first session, the advice from the IACS team is simple:
- Arrive on time and stay for the entire conversation.
- Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know; you may be surprised by the common ground you discover.
- Ask a question, share an idea, show your appreciation.
- Don’t be afraid to attend a session featuring an artist outside your usual interests. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from stepping into the unknown.
IACS is scheduled in connection with events presented by the OMAI, the Wisconsin Union Directorate’s Performing Arts Committee, and/or WUT. There are no prerequisites to attend. Just come with curiosity and a willingness to listen, ask questions, and engage.
Looking Ahead
As the WUT team continues to expand IACS, the program will remain focused on creating meaningful conversations that enhance the impact of every performance.
Keep an eye on the WUT event calendar, emails and social media for upcoming IACS and special programming throughout the 2026-2027 season.