Center for Research, Creativity and Innovation: Focus Areas

Grounded in CalArts’ longstanding pedagogy advocating divergent thinking, creative problem solving, and innovation in artistic expression, and informed by the recent explosion of research on learning, neurology and the brain, and the role of creativity in 21st century learning, work and life, the Center for Research, Creativity and Innovation organizes its work into four focus areas:

Focus Area I: Research, Documentation and Evaluation 

• Research on Creativity (in school and out of school time [OST]);
• Publish Annual School Arts Report documenting school-level access and equity;
• Research Impact of Arts Learning (re: Development of Creativity);
• Research impact of Arts Learning (re: student/teacher attendance, motivation/engagement, social and emotional intelligences); and
• Policies and Practices for Ensuring Equitable Access to Arts Learning.

Focus Area II: CalArts In the World 

• Partnerships with community colleges and four-year institutions of higher education; and
• Local, state and national partnerships supporting arts learning, creativity and innovation.

Focus Area III: Supporting 21st Century Teaching and Learning

• TeachArts+Creativity! CalArts Advanced Certificate for Artists working in schools and communities
• TeachArts+Creativity! CalArts Advanced Certificate for classroom and arts teachers

Focus Area IV: R & D Incubator

• Digital Learning Tools, Badges (in and out-of-school time; students, teachers, families); and
• Blended Learning Opportunities: high school and college-level arts courses (in person and online).