Tim Tai, Senior Photographer

Throughout Yale’s three hundred year existence, prominent arts groups such as the Dramat, the Whiffenpoofs and Yaledancers have cemented their place in Yale’s art scene. That hasn’t stopped Yale students from creating new spaces for artistic engagement. 

In the past five years alone, Yale has witnessed the emergence of several arts-related organizations, each offering distinct opportunities for students to express their creativity. These organizations, though young, have carved out their position in the Yale arts ecosystem.  

Here are five new groups that can help first-year students find their artistic niche.  

Fashion Lifestyle at Yale: the intersection of fashion, modeling and journalism 

Established in 2023 by three first years Kellsie Lewis ’27, Marame Diop ’27 and Sumarha Tariq ’27, Fashion Lifestyle at Yale, or FLY, is a student-led organization that merges fashion, modeling and journalism. 

The journalism branch aims to publish a fashion magazine highlighting student projects. The modeling branch organizes fashion shows, including the notable “Fly Through Time” event last fall — the first of its kind for the club. 

In addition to fashion shows, the group engages the Yale community by hosting events like photoshoots and thrift excursions. 

“FLY is all about finding yourself through creativity and fashion,” Diop wrote in an email to the News. “It’s more than just an organization but a community where you can let your individuality shine. No matter your background or experience, FLY welcomes all who are eager to join in.” 

Students are encouraged to get involved by following FLY on Instagram — @fly.yale — and signing up for the online newsletter. Looking ahead, FLY plans to expand its activities, which include hosting semesterly fashion shows and organizing events that convene Yale’s different communities. 

17o1 — Yale’s premier student-run record label — is back 

With roots as far back as 2010, 17o1 is Yale’s only student-run record label. After an eight-year hiatus, the organization made its comeback in 2023. While different faces run the group now,  17o1 has retained its original goals of promoting student music on campus. 

“​To put it simply, we support creatives,” wrote Maxx Shearod ’25, 17o1’s head of label affairs. “We help out with whatever a budding artist or performer needs, whether it be access to a studio, digital marketing for their releases, performance opportunities, or anything else.”

In addition to supporting individual artists, 17o1 also hosts music shows to showcase Yale talent. Last year’s launch concert featured the performances of six 17o1-represented artists. Student bands Seldom Street and Strictly Platonic, two bands listed under the label, performed at this past year’s Spring Fling festival after winning the year’s Battle of The Bands contest.

“We showcase the experiences of our peers, and our model creates a very intimate listening experience for our audience,” wrote Shearod.

Students, both with and without musical experience, are encouraged to join the 17o1 team, which includes musical, visual and management roles. Those who are interested can apply through the website or the link in the @17o1records Instagram bio. Applications are slated to be released on Aug. 27. 

Teatro de Yale spotlights Latine talent on the stage 

Since 2022, Teatro de Yale has centered Latine voices in Yale’s theatrical productions. The organization promotes performances that highlight Latine stories, such as “Stand & Deliver” and “Luz Negra,” producing at least one show each semester. 

“Teatro de Yale is dedicated to the exploration of Latinidad in the context of the performing arts,” explained Erick Lopez ’24, a founder of Teatro de Yale. “Our mission is to amplify the voices of diverse Latino dramatists, offering a platform for their narratives to resonate.”  

Lopez served as the producer of the November 2023 show, “In the Heights” and the director of “21 Chump Street,” which ran in December 2022. 

Teatro de Yale is meant to be an encouraging space, said Lopez, especially as the theater space can feel “unapproachable” for those with little or no experience. Auditions are open to everyone, allowing students who haven’t previously been involved in theater to grow their skills, he said.  

To get involved, students can audition for a show or join the production team, with all information available on their Instagram page, @teatrodeyale.

Asian American Collective of Theatermakers: a hub of support and community for Asian American creatives

Now in its second year, the Asian American Collective of Theatermakers, or AACT, was founded in 2022 to create a hub for Asian American theater-enthusiasts. The organization aims to promote Asian American artists, who have historically been underrepresented in Yale’s theater community. 

The organization has two goals, according to Alastair Rao ’26. First, it aims to attract “would-be Asian American theatremakers” who would otherwise be deterred by a lack of a clearly defined Asian American theater community. 

Secondly, it provides a centralized space for Asian American students interested in making theater to network and collaborate with other Asian American artists.

Most recently, the organization helmed Yale Dramatic Association’s Spring Ex show, “Delicacy of a Puffin Heart,” performing it at the University Theatre, the largest theater on campus. AACT also hosts mixers and other social get-togethers for the Asian American arts community. 

The group is open to all Asian and Asian American-identifying students, regardless of prior theater experience. To get involved, students can sign up for the mailing list at the Extracurricular Bazaar or contact an AACT board member directly. 

Yale’s fashion community finds a home in MAISON

Maison provides a platform for Yale fashion designers to showcase their work and connect with those interested in fashion, including creatives beyond just the Yale community. MAISON’s 2023 show, Entropy, was the first fashion show hosted at Yale in five years and involved designers from other universities, as well as the broader New Haven community. 

Their 2024 show, Revival, continued the group’s momentum and received support from L’Oréal, which provided all the makeup used in the show.  

Kai Chen ’26, a designer who has worked with Maison, wrote about his experience: “The past two shows were both well-attended, and it was really cool to see so many fashion-enthusiasts and supportive friends show up and be a part of such a big event.” 

While the MAISON shows have showcased the talents of designers with plenty of prior experience, newcomers are also invited to join, said Chen. 

MAISON’s website can be found at www.maisonatyale.com.

These five organizations represent just a glimpse of the diverse and dynamic arts community at Yale. For first-year students, getting involved with these groups can be a way to connect with peers, develop new skills and contribute to the vibrant artistic culture on campus. 

Information about meeting times, events and membership opportunities can typically be found on each organization’s social media pages or through the Yale Arts Calendar.