This study examines current conditions of the arts at state colleges and universities, particularly members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). An introductory chapter gives an overview of the arts in America. The second chapter describes the arts in public higher education in general, looking at the training of artists and teachers of art, the education of students as audience, support for the professional artist, experimentation and creativity, campuses as cultural centers, and the history of the arts disciplines on campus. In chapter 3 survey data about aspects of arts programs are summarized, including information on administrative structure, faculty characteristics, faculty development, guest and resident artists, budgets, programs for arts majors and minors, community college transfers, minority students, programs for non-majors, community outreach, and organizations and facilities. Findings and recommendations are presented. Chapter 4 which contains the bulk of the report is composed of brief descriptions of arts programs at AASCU member institutions, indicating the breadth and depth of arts activity in public higher education. The most common theme is that the institutions, through their programs, become cultural centers for their communities and regions. A list of members of the AASCU Committee of the Arts (1968-1989) is appended. (MSE)