This spring, UtahPresents, the performing arts presenter at the University of Utah, was invited to join a prestigious group of university-affiliated performing arts centers and programs, becoming one of the newest members of Major University Presenters (MUPs). Dedicated to advancing the field of university-based performing arts presenting, MUPs strengthens its member organizations’ capacities to elevate lives through the power of the arts.
UtahPresents is one of only 22 institutions in the country on a roster of leading university arts presenters that includes ASU Cultural Affairs at Arizona State University, Stanford Live at Stanford University and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
“The Major University Presenters have redefined the role of arts centers on university campuses, and UtahPresents is thrilled to join this group of industry-leading institutions,” said Chloe Jones, executive director of UtahPresents and assistant dean for Art & Creative Engagement in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Utah. “UtahPresents’ efforts to advance our campus-wide goals related to student success, research and innovation and service to the community will no doubt be accelerated by our joining MUPs. The opportunities for learning and collaboration with our peers in the consortium have vast potential to strengthen our impact, locally and nationally.”
For more than 20 years, Major University Presenters has facilitated opportunities for its member organizations to share information for benchmarking and improving programs, participate in high-value collaborative opportunities, increase program recognition at local and national levels, engage in national research activities, and make positive, long-term impacts on the performing arts presenting field.
Based at the iconic Kingsbury Hall, UtahPresents offers a mix of creativity and culture that is at the cutting edge of arts programming. Building on previous presenting seasons at Kingsbury Hall, UtahPresents launched in 2015 with a new brand and mission focused on community engagement and enrichment. The invitation to join MUPs comes as UtahPresents celebrates 10 years of programming, having presented close to 2,000 artists from 37 countries and served nearly one million people, including 75,000 K-12 students. In addition to student matinees and public performances, UtahPresents offers masterclasses, community workshops, performance opportunities for young artists and more.
See more about UtahPresents’ history and impact here:
As UtahPresents’ programming has grown over the past 10 years, the organization is committed to making the arts affordable. UtahPresents’ total compensation for artists more than doubled from 2015 to 2025, yet the average ticket price remains under $25. University of Utah students can access all UtahPresents’ performances for just $5 with their UCard (Arts Pass).
Boosted by the association with MUPs, UtahPresents enters its next decade with a renewed commitment to fuel the vital work of artists, bring the cultural richness of the world to Utah and fortify communities through affordable and accessible programming.
Click here for more information on the UtahPresents 2025-2026 season.