956102146 · CA ↑ parent cluster ·
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CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS

CA · EIN 956102146 · $122.8M rev · operational · www.calarts.edu
profile

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a private arts university located in Valencia, California, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in visual and performing arts. The institute emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, creative experimentation, and innovation across artistic disciplines. It serves students globally through its rigorous academic programs and vibrant artistic community.

activities · 66

what they do

direct service · 52
  • Advance creative writing and literary engagement Writer Residencies and Public Reading Series
    Offers graduate programs in Creative Writing and Aesthetics and Politics, hosts annual writer residencies, and organizes public reading series such as Writing Now and Next Words to connect emerging writers with literary communities.
  • Campus Access and Public Engagement Campus Tours and Information Sessions
    Offers campus tours and information sessions for prospective students by appointment, hosts ticketed performances and events open to the public, and allows visitors to access the library by contacting staff in advance.
  • Campus and facility access for prospective students and visitors Campus Tours and Information Sessions
    Offers campus tours and information sessions for prospective students by appointment, hosts ticketed performances and events open to the public, and allows visitor access to the library by prior arrangement with staff.
  • Campus and library access for visitors Campus Tours and Information Sessions
    Offers campus tours and information sessions for prospective students by appointment, and allows visitors to access the library by contacting library staff in advance.
  • Collaborate on external artistic and cultural exhibitions Visiting Artist Lecture Series
    Partners with external institutions on exhibitions such as Blue Echo with the World Resources Institute and features alumni and faculty in major exhibitions like those at The Cheech.
  • Conduct campus engagement activities for prospective and current students Campus Tours and Information Sessions
    Offers campus tours and information sessions for prospective students by appointment, provides 24/7 access to studios, labs, and specialized facilities, and allows visitors to access the library by contacting staff in advance.
  • Creative Writing Programs and Literary Events Creative Writing & Critical Theory Graduate Programs
    Offers master's-degree programs in Creative Writing and Aesthetics and Politics, delivers general education curriculum for all BFA students, and hosts public literary events including the Writing Now reading series, the Next Words reading series and publication, and the annual Katie Jacobson Writer in Residence program featuring lectures, readings, and student workshops.
  • Curatorial and Cultural Programming Los Angeles Visual Culture Platform
    Operates East of Borneo, a platform that publishes essays and interviews, maintains a multimedia archive on Los Angeles visual culture, and hosts exhibitions, talks, screenings, and workshops; also collaborates on external exhibitions such as Blue Echo with the World Resources Institute and features alumni and faculty in major institutional exhibitions like those at The Cheech and LACMA.
  • Curatorial and public programming through East of Borneo Los Angeles Visual Culture Platform
    Operates East of Borneo, a platform that publishes essays and interviews, maintains a multimedia archive on Los Angeles visual culture, and hosts exhibitions, talks, screenings, and workshops.
  • Deliver graduate art programs emphasizing critique and collaboration Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Programs
    Offers graduate art programs that emphasize rigorous critique, discourse, and cross-genre collaboration to support the development of individual artistic practice.
  • Deliver undergraduate art programs with mentorship and studio access Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Programs
    Offers undergraduate art programs featuring small class sizes, dedicated mentorship, 24/7 access to studios, labs, and specialized facilities, and eight on-campus galleries for student exhibitions to support creative development.
  • Exhibitions and public programs in visual and media arts Visiting Artist Lecture Series
    Hosts exhibitions, talks, screenings, and workshops through on-campus galleries and platforms like East of Borneo; features student, alumni, and faculty work in public exhibitions locally and in collaboration with external institutions.
  • Facilitate public and visiting artist programs Writer Residencies and Public Reading Series
    Hosts visiting artist lecture series, the Writing Now and Next Words reading series, and the annual Katie Jacobson Writer in Residence program, which includes lectures, readings, and workshops with MFA students.
  • Facilitate visiting artist engagement and discourse Visiting Artist Lecture Series
    Hosts a visiting artist lecture series and public conversations between artists and faculty to foster critical and creative exchange.
  • Graduate programs in Creative Writing and Aesthetics and Politics Creative Writing & Critical Theory Graduate Programs
    Offers master's-degree programs in Creative Writing and Aesthetics and Politics, and delivers general education curriculum for all BFA students.
  • Host Experiments in Electronic Sound Festival Student and Experimental Arts Showcases
    Hosts the annual Experiments in Electronic Sound Festival, a public event showcasing innovative work in electronic sound and music.
  • Host exhibitions and performances featuring alumni and faculty Visiting Artist Lecture Series
    Hosts and supports exhibitions and performances that feature work by alumni and faculty, including collaborations with external institutions such as The Cheech and LACMA, and events at REDCAT.
  • Host public performances and cultural events Community Festival & Event Organization
    Hosts ticketed performances, festivals, exhibitions, and screenings open to the public, including the Experiments in Electronic Sound Festival and student juried film screenings.
  • Host public performances, exhibitions, and events Student and Experimental Arts Showcases
    Hosts ticketed performances and events open to visitors, including student recitals, film screenings, dance works, music festivals, and art exhibitions at venues such as REDCAT and on campus galleries. Events include the Experiments in Electronic Sound Festival, MFA graduation recitals, and annual juried film screenings.
  • Host public writing reading series and events Writer Residencies and Public Reading Series
    Organizes the Writing Now reading series, the Next Words reading series and publication, and hosts the annual Katie Jacobson Writer in Residence to facilitate critical conversation about writing among visiting writers, students, and local audiences.
  • Host student MFA recital performances Student and Experimental Arts Showcases
    Hosts MFA graduation recital performances by students in collaboration with alumni and peers, providing a culminating public showcase of artistic development.
  • Host ticketed public performances and events Immersive Aerial Theatre Performances
    Organizes and hosts ticketed performances and events that are open to the public, featuring student, faculty, and guest artistic work across disciplines.
  • Host visiting artist lecture series Visiting Artist Lecture Series
    Hosts a visiting artist lecture series that facilitates conversations between artists and faculty, enriching discourse and engagement across the arts community.
  • Hosts the annual Experiments in Electronic Sound Festival and presents MFA graduation recital performances by students in collaboration with alumni and peers.
  • Hosts the annual Experiments in Electronic Sound Festival, showcasing innovative work in electronic music and sound art.
  • Offer campus access and public engagement opportunities
    Provides public access to campus resources and events, including scheduled campus tours, ticketed performances, and library access by appointment, fostering community engagement with the institute.
  • Offer campus tours and information sessions for prospective students Campus Tours and Information Sessions
    Provides scheduled campus tours and information sessions for prospective students by appointment, supporting recruitment and enrollment engagement.
  • Offer graduate programs in Creative Writing and Aesthetics and Politics Creative Writing & Critical Theory Graduate Programs
    Offers master's-degree programs in Creative Writing and Aesthetics and Politics, and delivers general education curriculum for all BFA students.
  • Operate East of Borneo as a platform for visual culture Los Angeles Visual Culture Platform
    Operates East of Borneo, a platform that publishes essays and interviews, maintains a multimedia archive on Los Angeles visual culture, and hosts exhibitions, talks, screenings, and workshops.
  • Operate a platform for discursive and visual culture inquiry Los Angeles Visual Culture Platform
    Runs East of Borneo, a platform that publishes critical essays, maintains a multimedia archive on Los Angeles visual culture, and hosts exhibitions, talks, screenings, and workshops.
  • Present student and faculty artistic work through exhibitions and performances Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Students and faculty present diverse creative output each semester, including dance works, MFA recitals, dance films, and exhibitions at on-campus and external venues like REDCAT and LACMA.
  • Present student and professional artistic work through public events and exhibitions Community Festival & Event Organization
    Hosts annual and recurring public events including the Experiments in Electronic Sound Festival, juried film screenings of student work, MFA recitals, and exhibitions featuring students, alumni, faculty, and visiting artists at venues such as REDCAT and partner institutions.
  • Present student film screenings annually Curated Film Screenings
    Presents annual juried screenings of short and feature-length films created by BFA and MFA students, showcasing emerging cinematic talent.
  • Produce and present student dance performances and films Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Students create and present a season of diverse dance works each semester, including dance films that integrate choreography and cinematic techniques, supported by program resources.
  • Provide campus access and information for prospective students Campus Tours and Information Sessions
    Offers campus tours and information sessions for prospective students by appointment, along with advance-accessible library visits for visitors.
  • Provide comprehensive visual arts education and exhibition opportunities Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Programs
    Offers undergraduate and graduate art programs emphasizing small class sizes, dedicated mentorship, rigorous critique, and cross-genre collaboration, supported by 24/7 access to studios and labs, eight on-campus galleries, and student exhibitions; also operates East of Borneo, which publishes critical content, hosts public programs, and maintains a multimedia archive on Los Angeles visual culture.
  • Provide visitor access to library resources
    Allows public visitors to access library resources by contacting library staff in advance to arrange access.
  • Public exhibitions and collaborations with external institutions Visiting Artist Lecture Series
    Collaborates with organizations such as the World Resources Institute on exhibitions like Blue Echo, features alumni and faculty in major exhibitions such as at The Cheech and LACMA, and hosts exhibitions by notable artists like Todd Gray and Harmony Holiday at REDCAT.
  • Public literary events and writer residencies Writer Residencies and Public Reading Series
    Organizes the Writing Now reading series, the Next Words reading series and publication for new MFA Creative Writing graduates, and hosts the annual Katie Jacobson Writer in Residence, who delivers a lecture, reading, and workshops with students.
  • Public performances and events
    Hosts ticketed performances and events open to the public, including student recitals, film screenings, festivals, and visiting artist presentations.
  • Student Dance Production and Performance Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Students create and present a season of diverse dance works each semester and produce dance films that integrate choreography with cinematic techniques.
  • Student Film Exhibitions Curated Film Screenings
    Presents annual juried screenings of short and feature-length films created by BFA and MFA students.
  • Student and public dance performances and productions Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Students create and present a season of diverse dance works each semester, including dance films that integrate choreography and cinematic techniques, and participate in MFA graduation recitals with alumni and peers.
  • Student film exhibitions Curated Film Screenings
    Presents annual juried screenings of short and feature-length films created by BFA and MFA students.
  • Support creative writing education and literary engagement Creative Writing & Critical Theory Graduate Programs
    Offers MFA and MA programs in Creative Writing and Aesthetics and Politics, including a general education curriculum for all BFA students; hosts public reading series (Writing Now, Next Words), publications, and the annual Katie Jacobson Writer in Residence program to connect students and local audiences with influential writers.
  • Support interdisciplinary art education with dedicated mentorship and facilities Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Programs
    Provides undergraduate and graduate art programs emphasizing critique, collaboration, and creative development through small classes, 24/7 access to studios and labs, and exhibition opportunities across eight on-campus galleries.
  • Undergraduate and graduate art education with studio access Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Programs
    Offers undergraduate and graduate art programs emphasizing small classes, mentorship, rigorous critique, and cross-genre collaboration, with 24/7 access to studios, labs, and specialized facilities to support student creative development.
  • Undergraduate and graduate visual arts programs Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Programs
    Offers undergraduate art programs with small class sizes and dedicated mentorship, 24/7 access to studios, labs, and specialized facilities, eight on-campus galleries for student exhibitions, and graduate programs emphasizing rigorous critique, cross-genre collaboration, and individual artistic development.
  • Visiting Artist and Alumni Engagement Visiting Artist Lecture Series
    Hosts a visiting artist lecture series featuring conversations between artists and faculty, and regularly showcases alumni work in high-profile venues such as Perrotin Los Angeles and REDCAT, including exhibitions like 'Portals' by Todd Gray and 'Spectacular Brooding' by Harmony Holiday.
  • Visiting artist and public lecture series Visiting Artist Lecture Series
    Hosts a visiting artist lecture series featuring conversations between artists and faculty, fostering public engagement with contemporary artistic practice.
  • Visiting artist and writer engagement Writer Residencies and Public Reading Series
    Hosts visiting artists and writers through lecture series, readings, residencies, and public events, including the Writing Now and Next Words series and the annual Katie Jacobson Writer in Residence program.
  • Visual Arts Education and Facilities Access Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Programs
    Offers undergraduate and graduate art programs with small class sizes, dedicated mentorship, rigorous critique, and cross-genre collaboration, supported by 24/7 access to studios, labs, specialized facilities, and eight on-campus galleries for student exhibitions.
research · 6
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research in critical and creative inquiry Interdisciplinary Critical Writing Initiatives
    Hosts research initiatives, publications, and events through the Center for Discursive Inquiry, exploring intersections of critical writing, creative practice, and systematic inquiry.
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research in critical and creative practices Interdisciplinary Critical Writing Initiatives
    Hosts research projects, publications, and events through the Center for Discursive Inquiry to explore intersections of critical writing, creative practice, and systematic inquiry.
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research through the Center for Discursive Inquiry Interdisciplinary Critical Writing Initiatives
    Hosts research projects, publications, and events through the Center for Discursive Inquiry to explore intersections of critical writing, creative practice, and systematic inquiry.
  • Produce and publish critical and artistic content Los Angeles Visual Culture Platform
    Operates East of Borneo, a platform that publishes essays and interviews, maintains a multimedia archive on Los Angeles visual culture, and hosts exhibitions, talks, screenings, and workshops. Also hosts research projects, publications, and events through the Center for Discursive Inquiry.
  • Research in Critical and Creative Inquiry Interdisciplinary Critical Writing Initiatives
    Hosts research projects, publications, and events through the Center for Discursive Inquiry to explore intersections of critical writing, creative practice, and systematic inquiry.
  • Research initiatives in critical and creative inquiry Interdisciplinary Critical Writing Initiatives
    Hosts research projects, publications, and events through the Center for Discursive Inquiry to explore intersections of critical writing, creative practice, and systematic inquiry.
capacity building · 8
  • Dance Education and Training Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Provides BFA and MFA programs that develop advanced skills in performance, choreography, dance production technologies, and critical analysis of dance as an art form, including training across stage, digital, and commercial contexts with support for business planning and company development.
  • Dance education and training programs Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Provides BFA and MFA programs that develop advanced skills in performance, choreography, dance production technologies, and critical analysis of dance as an art form, with training across stage, digital, and commercial contexts including business planning and company development.
  • Degree programs in dance with professional preparation Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Offers BFA and MFA programs in dance that develop advanced skills in performance, choreography, production technologies, and critical analysis, with training across stage, digital, and commercial contexts including business planning and company development.
  • Deliver professional dance training and performance programs Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Offers BFA and MFA programs in dance that develop advanced skills in performance, choreography, production technologies, and critical analysis, with training extending to digital and commercial contexts, business planning, and company development; students regularly create and present dance works, including dance films and semesterly performances.
  • Deliver professional training in dance and choreography Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Offers BFA and MFA programs in dance that develop advanced skills in performance, choreography, production technologies, and critical analysis, preparing students for professional careers in diverse contexts including digital and commercial fields.
  • Educate future dance artists for professional careers Professional Dance Training & Creation
    Prepares future dance artists with advanced skills in performance, choreography, dance production technologies, and critical analysis through BFA and MFA programs tailored to 21st-century professional dance careers.
  • Graduate programs in Creative Writing and critical inquiry Creative Writing & Critical Theory Graduate Programs
    Offers master's-degree programs in Creative Writing and Aesthetics and Politics, including general education curriculum for all BFA students and programming through the Center for Discursive Inquiry.
  • Support student creative development through academic programs and mentorship Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Programs
    Offers undergraduate and graduate art programs with small class sizes, dedicated mentorship, rigorous critique, and cross-genre collaboration to support individual artistic practice. Provides BFA and MFA programs in dance, art, creative writing, and aesthetics and politics.
strategies · 36

how they think

Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.

named programs · 11

what they call their work

Composition and Experimental Sound Practices
Undergraduate (BFA) and graduate (MFA) programs focused on avant-garde composition and experimental sound art
Experimental Pop
BFA program exploring innovative and genre-defying approaches to pop music
Instrumental Arts
BFA and MFA programs offering training in classical and contemporary instrumental performance
Jazz
BFA and MFA programs in jazz performance, emphasizing creative improvisation and ensemble work
Music Technology
BFA and MFA programs integrating music creation with digital technology and sound design
Performer-Composer
BFA, MFA, and DMA programs for artist-practitioners who both perform and compose original work
Visiting Artists Program
Brings renowned artists like Mick Jenkins to engage with students through lectures, workshops, and classes
VoiceArts
BFA and MFA programs focused on vocal performance across experimental, contemporary, and interdisciplinary contexts
Wild Beast Music Pavilion
Flexible performance and rehearsal space serving as a central hub for music activities and public concerts
Winter Session
Intensive short-term programs offering specialized courses and collaborative opportunities
World Music
BFA and MFA programs in global music traditions including African, Indonesian, and North Indian music and dance
relationships · 7

who they work with

  • 24700.calarts.edu Network — Source cited for CalArts being named a top producer of Fulbright US Student honorees.
  • City of Santa Clarita Government — CalArts is located within the City of Santa Clarita and references its municipal context.
  • East of Borneo Partner — Collaborative platform founded by former Dean Tom Lawson, publishing on West Coast art and hosting events to strengthen CalArts' connections with the regional art world.
  • REDCAT Partner — Collaborates with the School of Dance to present student performances such as "CalArts Dance: Emergent Forms."
  • REDCAT Partner — Hosts the annual CalArts Film/Video Showcase screening event.
  • REDCAT Partner — Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater, used for hosting exhibitions and performances.
  • World Resources Institute Partner — Collaborated on an exhibition titled Blue Echo.