Creative Spaces At Tufts
As I prepared to leave for my freshman year at Tufts, one of the hardest goodbyes was to my piano. Where would I find the space to sing or practice a new song after a long day? Equally daunting was the thought of abandoning my cabinet of arts & crafts materials. I feared that college meant I would have to give up my long-honored tradition of making homemade birthday cards and signs for my friends. It hadn’t occurred to me that Tufts would have spaces catering to my creative interests.
Fortunately, one of my first friends at Tufts was a fellow musician, who offered one day to take me to the “practice rooms.” We journeyed downhill, and he showed me the basement of Granoff, Tufts’ music hall.
Now, as a senior, I feel I've learned all the secrets of where to unleash creativity on campus. As long as you know where to go, your possibilities at Tufts are endless. Whether your passion lies in dance, visual art, music, or more, there's a space for you to discover and create.
For the DIY Artists: Visit the Crafts Center
The Crafts Center is a “maker-space” funded entirely by Tufts Community Union. Located in the basement of Lewis Hall, a sophomore dorm on campus, it offers a wide range of materials for ceramics, painting, paper crafts, or crocheting. Also available are copious amounts of glitter. You can even reserve the space for group events, or choose to participate in a training session to learn how to use different materials.
To Get to Work With Your Hands: Nolop is the spot
If you’re looking to level up your crafting, you must visit the Science and Engineering Complex and head to Nolop. First opened in 2019, it is funded by the Engineering department but is accessible to all students. There, you will find power tools, laser cutters, 3D printers, and more. Check out their website to see student-made projects that range from Adirondack chairs to mandolins.
To Find Your Rhythm: Book a Dance Studio
Though a reservation is required, Tufts has dance studios available to use for student’s extracurricular use. Whether you join a dance troupe, or want to practice your technique, there is a place for you to do so. Or, try your hand at a TUSC (Tufts University Social Collective) free dance and fitness classes taught by students.
… And to Get in Tune With Your Musicality: Visit Granoff
My personal favorite space on campus are the practice rooms in Granoff. Available every day with no reservation needed, these rooms are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Each room is fitted with a piano and music stands, and can be used by any student! Or, if you want a bigger space to practice with a band (like I do!), just call ahead and reserve a room!
Photo Credit: Tufts Daily