Roles of Student Art Communities in Fostering Islamic Art Creativity

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore how campus-based art communities contribute to the revitalization of Islamic art within a modern academic environment. Focusing on the Ikatan Mahasiswa Pecinta Seni (IMPAS) organization at IAIN Metro, Lampung, the research investigates how students reinterpret Islamic aesthetics through creative expression, spiritual values, and cultural performance as part of their campus identity formation.

Method: The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach using interviews, observations, and document analysis. Data were collected from student members and organizational leaders of IMPAS to capture their artistic practices, motivations, and socio-religious contexts. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns related to creativity, faith-based expression, and cultural adaptation.

Findings: The study reveals that Islamic art activities in IMPAS—such as hadroh, calligraphy, qasidah, and Islamic theater—serve not only as creative outlets but also as vehicles for moral reflection and spiritual engagement. Students reinterpret traditional Islamic art forms with contemporary styles to make them more relevant to campus culture and youth audiences. Despite limited resources, their initiatives demonstrate a dynamic synthesis between aesthetic innovation and religious devotion.

Significance: This research highlights the role of higher education communities in preserving and transforming Islamic cultural heritage. It underscores how campus art organizations can function as agents of cultural sustainability, spiritual education, and creative empowerment among young Muslims. The findings offer insights into integrating art, faith, and education to strengthen cultural identity in Indonesian Islamic universities.