Summer soirée at a Malibu beach house with the Herb Alpert School of Music.
Summer soirée at a Malibu beach house with the Herb Alpert School of Music.
Screening of Incredibles 2 at Walt Disney Studios, Burbank
Screening of Incredibles 2 at Walt Disney Studios, Burbank
Private tour with artist Jim Shaw (School of Art, MFA 78) of his inaugural exhibition, Jim Shaw: The Wig Museum, at the Marciano Art Foundation.
Private tour with artist Jim Shaw (School of Art, MFA 78) of his inaugural exhibition, Jim Shaw: The Wig Museum, at the Marciano Art Foundation.
CalArts President Ravi Rajan with Laura Owens (School of Art, MFA 94) at a reception and private gallery tour of her exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
CalArts President Ravi Rajan with Laura Owens (School of Art, MFA 94) at a reception and private gallery tour of her exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Friends of CalArts is the signature giving society of CalArts. Members include alumni, parents, and philanthropists dedicated to supporting the Institute’s vision through annual leadership gifts. 

Founded in 1971, the group’s ongoing generosity has helped the Institute award scholarship grants to the vast majority of its students and has provided these young artists with the resources and tools necessary to achieve their creative potential.  

Throughout the year, special programs and exclusive events are planned for Friends members which highlight the very best of CalArts students, alumni, and faculty and others creating at the forefront of arts and culture.

Membership Levels and Benefits

Member's Circle: $2,500 ($2,350 tax deductible) 

CalArts Recent Alumni (1-5 years out) $250 ($100 tax deductible)
CalArts Alumni (6+ years out): $1,000 ($850 tax deductible)

  • CalArts Tote
  • 2 complimentary 2-day passes to CalArts Weekend
  • Invitation for you and a guest to 2 exclusive Friends signature events
  • VIP seating for you and a guest to The Wild Beast Concert Series, including the World Music and Dance Festival
  • VIP seating for you and a guest to CalArts' Year-End Showcases at REDCAT*
  • Exclusive updates on Institute news and events
  • Concierge service to assist with Institute and REDCAT inquiries

Artist's Circle: $5,000 ($4,800 tax deductible)

All Member's benefits, plus:

  • 2 complimentary tickets to a REDCAT performance*
  • Invitation for you and a guest to a CalArts Visiting Artist reception

Dean's Circle: $10,000 ($9,750 tax deductible)

All Artist's benefits, plus:

  • 2 additional complimentary tickets to a REDCAT performance*
  • Invitation for you and a guest to a Dean's Salon
  • Invitation for you and a guest to CalArts' Jazz CD recording session at Capitol Studios*
  • Invitation to year-end President's Reception

Provost's Circle: $25,000 ($24,675 tax deductible)

All Dean's benefits, plus:

  • Private lunch with President Ravi Rajan
  • Invitation for you and a guest to CalArts' Character Animation Program Showcase at the Directors Guild of America*

President's Circle: $50,000 ($49,574 tax deductible)

All Provost's benefits, plus:

  • Salon-style dinner at Trustee's home with CalArts' artist faculty

*Subject to availability, reservation required

Monthly payments are welcome!

Join Friends of CalArts today


For more information about Friends of CalArts, please contact Gwen Strong, Director of Individual Giving, at 661.200.6021 or email gstrong@calarts.edu.