[6] The center operates under the auspices of the University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities.

The introduction of this brand was accompanied by a series of mostly-free-of-charge events called the NextNOW Festival near the beginning of the Fall semester.

[12] The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center was originally conceived as an academic center for teaching the performing arts, but during the planning stages that mission evolved[citation needed] to include not only presentation of performances by touring artists, but also the creation of programs that focused on the people of Prince George's County, Maryland, where the University of Maryland is located.

Situated on 17 acres (69,000 m2) of land, the 318,000-square-foot (29,500 m2) facility was the largest single building ever constructed by the State of Maryland.

Clarice also offers a large grass area space on the back side of the building where students frequently study and enjoy some disc golf.