The R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center opened at the University of Texas at Tyler in 1997. It presents visiting artists and touring productions to audiences from the university and the wider East Texas region. Its programming brings together Broadway shows, music, dance and public lectures, while educational performances introduce schoolchildren to live theatre and the performing arts. Established programme strands include the Broadway Series, the Braithwaite Intimate Gatherings Series and Arts in Education. The centre’s anniversary season in 2016–17 included productions of Pippin and 42nd Street alongside music, comedy and performances for school groups.