Overview of California Institute of the Arts
The California Institute of the Arts, commonly known as CalArts, is a renowned private institution dedicated to the visual and performing arts. Located in Valencia, California, CalArts was established in 1961 by Walt Disney, combining the expertise of various arts disciplines to create an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to arts education. CalArts has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of contemporary arts, nurturing creative talent, and promoting experimental and boundary-pushing work across diverse artistic disciplines.
Academic Structure: CalArts is organized into six schools, each focusing on a specific artistic discipline. These schools are the School of Art, the School of Critical Studies, the School of Dance, the School of Film/Video, the Herb Alpert School of Music, and the School of Theater. Each school operates independently, fostering specialization and excellence within its respective field, while also encouraging collaboration and cross-disciplinary exploration.
Interdisciplinary Approach: One of the defining features of CalArts is its commitment to an interdisciplinary approach to arts education. The institute believes in breaking down traditional boundaries between art forms, encouraging students to explore connections and collaborations between different disciplines. This approach reflects the ever-evolving nature of contemporary art, where hybrid forms and interdisciplinary practices are increasingly prevalent.
Students at CalArts are exposed to a wide range of artistic expressions, allowing them to integrate elements from various disciplines into their work. This approach fosters a dynamic and innovative creative environment, where artists can experiment with new forms of expression and challenge established norms.
Project-Based Learning: CalArts places a strong emphasis on project-based learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in hands-on, experiential projects from the outset. Whether in visual arts, music, theater, dance, or film, students are encouraged to bring their artistic visions to life through practical and collaborative projects.
The CalArts community embraces the idea that learning is an active, iterative process. The emphasis on projects allows students to refine their craft, experiment with different mediums, and gain valuable practical experience. This project-based learning approach contributes to the development of a diverse range of artistic voices and styles.
Faculty: The faculty at CalArts comprises accomplished artists and practitioners who bring real-world experience and expertise to the classroom. The institute values a faculty-student mentorship model, where students work closely with faculty members to refine their artistic skills and conceptual understanding.
Faculty members at CalArts are often active contributors to their respective fields, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments and trends in the arts. The close relationship between students and faculty creates a supportive environment for artistic exploration and the development of a unique artistic voice.
Experimental and Avant-Garde Tradition: CalArts has a rich tradition of embracing experimental and avant-garde artistic practices. The institute has been a breeding ground for artists who challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of their respective fields. This spirit of experimentation is embedded in the curriculum and ethos of CalArts, encouraging students to question, innovate, and create work that defies categorization.
CalArts has produced influential artists across various disciplines, contributing to the evolution of contemporary art. The institute’s commitment to fostering a spirit of experimentation has had a lasting impact on the global art scene.
Facilities and Resources: CalArts provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources tailored to each artistic discipline. The campus features specialized studios, rehearsal spaces, theaters, sound studios, and film production facilities. These resources support the diverse needs of students, enabling them to realize their creative visions in a professional and well-equipped environment.
The institute’s commitment to technological innovation is evident in its facilities, which incorporate cutting-edge tools and technologies relevant to contemporary artistic practices. Whether in digital media labs or traditional art studios, students have access to the resources necessary for their artistic exploration.
Community and Collaboration: The CalArts community values collaboration and collective creation. The interdisciplinary nature of the institute encourages students from different schools to collaborate on projects, fostering a sense of community and shared artistic exploration.
Various performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the academic year provide platforms for students to showcase their work and engage with the larger artistic community. The institute’s commitment to fostering a collaborative spirit contributes to the development of a network of artists who continue to collaborate and influence each other throughout their careers.
Student Life and Diversity: CalArts is known for its diverse and inclusive community that celebrates a wide range of perspectives and artistic expressions. The student body comprises individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and artistic influences, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic campus culture.
Student life at CalArts includes a rich array of extracurricular activities, performances, and events. The institute recognizes the importance of a holistic student experience, where artistic exploration is complemented by opportunities for social engagement and personal growth.
Alumni Impact: CalArts boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts. Graduates of the institute include influential filmmakers, visual artists, musicians, actors, and writers who have garnered acclaim for their innovative work. The impact of CalArts alumni extends to various fields, shaping the trajectory of contemporary art and culture.
The institute’s alumni network provides a valuable resource for current students, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and a connection to the broader artistic community.
Conclusion: the California Institute of the Arts stands as a pioneering institution in arts education, known for its interdisciplinary approach, experimental traditions, and commitment to nurturing diverse and innovative artistic voices. CalArts continues to play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of contemporary art by providing a dynamic and collaborative environment where artists can explore, create, and redefine the boundaries of their respective disciplines.
24700 McBean Parkway Valencia, CA 91355
Phone: (661) 255-1050
Email: admiss@calarts.edu
Web site: http://www.calarts.edu
Rankings: California Institute of the Arts
Located in Valencia, CA, California Institute of the Arts is one of the best universities in the state of California. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for California Institute of the Arts in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is California Institute of the Arts.
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a highly renowned and respected institution in the United States. It is a leading arts university that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in visual, performing, media, and literary arts. The school has consistently earned top rankings from various organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, which awarded CalArts the #1 spot among all West Coast universities for fine arts programs in 2020. CalArts has also been recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s top art schools for its academic excellence and innovation in teaching methods. The school boasts an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to become influential figures in the world of art and entertainment, including filmmakers Tim Burton and John Lasseter; animator Glen Keane; musician Moby; actor/writer/director Jordan Peele; and many more. Additionally, CalArts’ faculty includes some of the most esteemed professionals in their respective fields who offer students unique opportunities to learn from their expertise. With such high standards for both its faculty and students, it’s no wonder that CalArts is consistently ranked among the top schools for fine arts programs in the United States.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | N/A |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | N/A |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 77.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 56.5% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | N/A |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 74.6% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 3.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 7:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 74.1% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | N/A |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | N/A |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | N/A |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 33.4% |
| Financial resources rank: | N/A |
| Alumni giving rank: | N/A |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 2.1% |
Essential Facts: California Institute of the Arts
- California Institute of the Arts is a private institution that was founded in 1961. It has a Suburban setting, and the campus size is 60 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
- The founding board of trustees originally planned on creating CalArts as a school in an entertainment complex, a destination like Disneyland, and a feeder school for the industry.
- California Institute of the Arts is a small four-year, private not-for-profit school with 1,450 students enrolled.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 41% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 90% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | N/A |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors |
| Collegiate athletic association: | N/A |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, opera, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, television station |