Portfolio/Audition Requirements

A portfolio of current work representing your best critical writing is required of all applicants to the MA Aesthetics and Politics Program. This portfolio must contain a writing sample with a theoretical or political focus up to 20 pages in length. Within the 20 maximum pages, applicants may submit any number of pieces. 

All applicants must submit the Writing Sample by uploading it into the Written Materials section of the online application. Additionally, any supplemental media integral to your writing practice should be submitted in the Portfolio/Audition Submission "Upload Media" section. 

A statement of purpose addressing your academic and/or artistic interests, the ways in which these interests relate to aesthetic or political concerns, and your goals in applying to the program.

All applicants must submit the Statement of Purpose by uploading it into the Written Materials section of the online application.

Two letters of recommendation are required.

All letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline, so it is highly recommended that you contact your recommenders months before. We request that you submit the requests for your letters of recommendation through the online application, as it will allow you to track when we receive your requested letters.

Only if this is not possible, you may download the Letter of Recommendation Form (pdf) and have your recommender send their letters by mail to the Office of Admissions. Please choose only one method – either through the online application (preferred) or by mail – per recommender. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted via credentialing services such as Parchment or Naviance.

Mailed letters of recommendation should be sent to:

CalArts Office of Admissions
24700 McBean Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
United States of America

Please note, letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.