CREDO
WHAT IS CREDO?
"CREDO (Career Resource Entrepreneurial Development Opportunity) is a transformative one-week arts program designed specifically for the HBCU community. Born from a vision to nurture and amplify artistic creatives, CREDO creates an immersive environment where talented HBCU students can flourish alongside experienced faculty and successful alumni artists".
The program serves as both a sanctuary for creative exploration and a practical launchpad for arts careers. Each day, participants engage in hands-on workshops, mentoring sessions, and collaborative projects that strengthen their artistic skills while also developing essential professional competencies. CREDO intentionally keeps its cohorts small and intimate, ensuring that every participant receives personalized attention and forms meaningful connections.
Beyond technical training, CREDO celebrates the rich cultural heritage of HBCUs and their contributions to American arts. The program culminates in public performances where students showcase their talents to appreciative audiences and potential employers, often leading to valuable professional opportunities. By bringing together different generations of HBCU artists, CREDO creates a powerful ecosystem of support, inspiration, and advancement in the arts.
Who participates?
• Students: Selected through auditions that evaluate their artistic work, school pride, and career goals
• Faculty: Serve as mentors while also developing their own creative skills
• Professional HBCU Alumni: Provide real-world expertise, mentoring, and networking connections
What happens during the program?
• Participant cohorts are designed to foster creativity and collaboration
• Industry experts lead workshops and offer career guidance
• Students showcase their talents at public performances
• Everyone builds valuable professional connections
Program Benefits
CREDO helps participants grow professionally, build networks, strengthen cultural connections, and advance their careers in the arts. It serves as a stepping stone for the next generation of artists and cultural leaders from HBCUs.
online auditions!
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
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Deadline April 10, 2025
Requirements:
Student
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Age 18-25 as of May 1, 2025
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Matriculated and in good standing at an HBCU during Spring 2025
Alum Emerging Artist
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Minimum age of 21
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Maximum age of 35
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Graduate from HBCU no earlier than 2019
Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher or professional artist that has experienced your work.
Three (3) minute artistic work sample presentation video.
A complete application with a $50 Application fee
Tuition for one week $2,500. Scholarships are available.
Complete Online Application
https://forms.gle/Y2kfty4j4kfL1iRo9
1. How to Record Your Audition
TECHNICAL TIPS:
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PLEASE do not use external microphones.
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Wear school paraphernalia or display school paraphernalia in the background
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Try to get as close-up as possible on video recordings.
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Try to frame the shot from the waist up, with not too much empty space above the head in the frame.
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Also try to raise the video source closer to eye level so that the judges can see you face-to-face, rather than looking up at you.
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Film in landscape/horizontal frame.
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Record ONE work in its entirety.
At the beginning of your recording, state:
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Your first and last name
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Name of the HBCU you are attending or attended
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The date of recording
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A brief description of your artistic work sample.
Performing Artists:
Include the title, name of work, composer/author/choreographer/creator, and date of performance for each work included. Include a work sample that was performed/created or in-process since January 2025.
Accompaniment options:
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Live piano accompaniment
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Recorded piano accompaniments (i.e. Appcompanist or YouTube)
Visual Artists:
Please label the work to include the title and date each work was created or performed. Include a work sample that was performed/created or in-process since January 2025.
Literary Artists:
Please send your work in .pdf format and include a video briefly describing 3 samples of your work. Include a work sample that was performed/created or in-process since January 2025.
2. Upload to YouTube
• You will need to upload your recording(s) to YouTube.
• Post the video as either Public or Unlisted.
• Judges will not be able to view the video if it is Private.
• By posting the video as Unlisted, only people you share the link with will be able to view your video.
3. Link YouTube to HBCU Arts and Submit
• Within your application, paste the URL of your YouTube selection(s).
• Pay the application fee and submit the Application. You cannot edit your application after you submit it. Applications will not be considered without payment.
• You will be notified via email when the judges have completed evaluations.
Showcase Semi-finals
Semi-finalists will be notified by April 15th and will be invited to a Zoom Interview being held on April 18th and 19th from 9am – 12 pm. During this round, semi-finalists will have up to 8 minutes to present and discuss their work.
Finalists will receive an invitation to present at the HBCU Arts CREDO Showcase:
The Anderson Center for the Arts
13334 Wallisville Road, Houston, Texas
Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 5:00 pm
Participants will have the opportunity to display and sell approved work & promotional merchandise