Complex challenges demand both creativity and context. Whatever your field, before you can move beyond conventional ways of thinking, you must first understand what shaped the conventions. The Making & Knowing Key explores the ideas, traditions and skills that have propelled human progress, and invites you to develop your own practice for imagining, communicating and driving change. Whether you are a writer, artist or researcher, you are a maker — join us in drawing through-lines from the past to explore the many ways your creativity and industry can help shape the future.
Kenyon Keys are interconnected and open for all to explore, whatever your major, class year or career interests.
Related Courses
Design Foundations
Explore the principles and sources of design inspiration fundamental to all visual arts, and hone your creativity and imagination through exercises in design analysis, conceptual development and digital technologies.
Introduction to Science and Nature Writing
This interdisciplinary science writing course combines literary analysis of exemplary essays on scientific topics with a writing workshop that seeks to present scientific information in a highly readable form.
Introduction to Film
Consider how the various aspects of filmmaking combine to tell stories with perhaps the greatest mass appeal of any artistic medium. Get an introduction to film production — write, direct and film short projects in collaboration with your classmates.
Introduction to Western Art: Ancient and Medieval
This course surveys Western art and architecture from the Paleolithic era to the end of the Middle Ages. Training in visual analysis is emphasized, as are the historical context, religious beliefs and social conditions in which the artwork was produced.
Kenyon NYC
Curious about art professions and markets? This three-week program in New York City, planned for summer 2027, takes you inside artists’ studios, museums and auction houses. The program includes hands-on experiences and individual research opportunities at every level of the art world, from meeting with practicing artists to studying the secondary art market.Fast-Track Your Internship
These internship opportunities are offered exclusively to Kenyon students, many of them designed by Kenyon alumni or partner organizations. Kenyon offers funding to supplement wages or offset expenses for internships that would otherwise be out of financial reach.
New York Stage and Film offers two internship tracks supporting professional theater residencies and workshops. Stage Management interns will facilitate rehearsal operations, assist with script logging, production paperwork, and inventory management. Company Management interns will coordinate artist housing, travel logistics, communal meals, and hospitality for resident artists and staff.
Summer 2026 | $4,500 stipend | Housing and meals provided | Stage Management: theater production knowledge preferred | Company Management: valid driver's license required
Learn about Kenyon internship funds.
MoreMedavoy Management offers an internship providing entertainment industry experience at a boutique talent management company representing top-tier actors, writers, and directors. Interns will write script coverage, conduct client research, pitch potential clients, and learn about project development for TV and film while networking with managers and partners.
Summer 2026 | 3 days per week, 10am-6pm PT | Unpaid | Previous interns hired at Netflix, CAA, ICM, Paradigm
Learn about Kenyon internship funds.
The Cleveland Museum of Art offers an internship to develop educational materials and hands-on programming for the Education Art Collection's 10,000+ works spanning 6,000 years. Interns will research works on paper techniques (watercolors, engravings, etchings, woodcuts), create teaching guides and process kits, assist with summer camp programs, and gain experience in art handling, object-based learning, and museum education practices.
Summer 2026 | 28 hours per week for 9 weeks | $6,000 stipend | All majors welcome, humanities backgrounds encouraged
Learn about Kenyon internship funds.
Milestone Marketing offers a hybrid internship at a boutique marketing and PR agency working across healthcare, hospitality and service industries. Interns will develop SEO content, manage social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook), design graphics, write press releases and newsletters, and build a diverse portfolio while receiving daily feedback and mentorship from the agency founder (Kenyon ’05).
June 1-July 31, 2026 | 40 hrs per week | Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors | Stipend provided | All majors welcome | Must live in Columbus with reliable transportation
Leran about Kenyon internship funds.
The Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival offers an internship to manage media and marketing strategy for Knox County’s largest annual arts and culture festival. Interns will work with a $10,000 budget to develop advertising campaigns (traditional and digital), create social media content, produce video and radio spots, and collaborate with PR representatives from regional arts organizations while receiving mentorship from experienced broadcast and higher education professionals.
Summer 2026 | 240+ hours over 10 weeks
Learn about Kenyon internship funds.
Kenyon’s Nationally Recognized Arts Organizations
Kenyon is home to The Gund, whose world-class collection makes it one of the best contemporary art museums on any college campus, and the Kenyon Review, one of the nation’s most celebrated literary journals. These organizations share Kenyon’s strong educational mission and offer gold-standard internships, right on campus.Clubs & Organizations
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A Cappella Groups
With a mix of vocal styles, ranges and harmonies, Kenyon’s 10+ a cappella groups offer something for everyone. In addition to performing on campus, several go on tour during breaks. Explore.
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Arts Clubs
The Drawing Club and Photography Club welcome artists of all levels, and Cinearts screens films and promotes discussion within the Kenyon community. Explore.
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Dance Teams and Clubs
From ballet and ballroom to hip-hop and K-pop, the dance scene at Kenyon is alive and welcoming, whether you’re new to choreography or a longtime performer. Explore.
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Music Groups
If school spirit is your style, join the Pep Band, which plays at home sporting events. The Pealers perform every Friday afternoon, ringing songs from the bell tower of Kenyon’s historic chapel. Explore.
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Maker Spaces and Performance Venues
The Horn Gallery is a student-run arts and performance space, with a concert venue, practice room and community space. The Craft Center offers classes in pottery, weaving, woodworking and more.
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Publications
With nearly a dozen student-run publications, Kenyon supports students who want to publish their work as those who want to curate and shape collections. Explore.
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Theater Groups
There are plenty of opportunities to be on- or backstage at Kenyon. With a half-dozen student theater companies and comedy troupes, auditions and performances are in regular rotation. Explore.
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WKCO
WKCO 91.9FM provides students with hands-on experience in live broadcasting, music/radio journalism and writing and music recording.
