Engage with the da Vinci Center
Bring ideas to life through creativity, collaboration, and connection.
Our programs are built for connection - between ideas and people, disciplines and practice, learning and doing.
Everyone has a role in shaping innovation at VCU. Whether you’re a student exploring new possibilities, a faculty or staff member bringing creativity into teaching or teamwork, or a community partner eager to collaborate, there’s a way to jump in and start creating.
Choose Your Path
Curiosity is your starting point. Explore courses, workshops, and experiences that help you learn by doing and apply creativity to real-world challenges.
I’m a Student
Learn by doing. Build creative confidence, test ideas, and connect your studies to real-world challenges.
I’m Faculty or Staff
Integrate creativity into your teaching, reimagine systems, and collaborate with students on real-world projects.
I’m a Community Partner
Collaborate with students and faculty to explore new ideas, test solutions, and strengthen your impact.
About the Team
At the da Vinci Center, we’re designers, educators, and innovators who believe in learning by doing. Our team helps students, faculty, and community partners turn ideas into action through workshops, the Shelfie Program, custom collaborations and more.
We bring expertise in design thinking, systems change, and facilitation to make innovation accessible for everyone. Whether you’re exploring a new idea, reimagining a course, or building a community partnership, we’re here to help you make it real.
How we can help:
- Guide you through the design thinking process from idea to impact
- Co-design and facilitate custom sessions for your class, team, or organization
- Connect you with students, faculty, or partners working on similar challenges
- Help you find the right opportunity to get involved or grow your ideas
Turn curiosity into community. Join events, share ideas, and connect with others who are building, designing, and dreaming alongside you. Here’s how to get involved:
Time: Flexible, short modules
From Feedback Fridays and Demo Days to design jams, da Vinci events are where ideas come alive. Meet innovators, share your work, and find new collaborators.
Monday–Wednesday, 12–3 p.m.
Shift Retail Lab, 1235 W Broad Street
Connect with colleagues at da Vinci and University College, and discover new ways to bring creativity into your work. No RSVP needed.
Host a workshop, class, or event at the Shift Retail Lab (1235 W Broad Street) - a dynamic space designed for creativity and collaboration.
Get the latest workshops, design challenges, and stories of creativity from the da Vinci Community delivered straight to your inbox.
Not sure where to start?
We’d love to help you find your next step and explore ways to get involved. Email us at davincicenter@vcu.edu.