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California Institute of the Arts

Welcome to the School of Art

A sanctuary for cross-disciplinary experimentation, the School of Art prepare graduates to thoughtfully challenge prevailing conventions, develop new forms, and become innovators and leaders in their chosen fields. Our distinctive programs promote both creative practice and the intellectual context for artistic expression, in the only accredited arts college in the country that locates the full spectrum of visual, performing, and literary arts under one roof.

  • 100% working artists & designers

    on the School of Art faculty

  • 8:1 student-faculty ratio

    in the School of Art

  • #5 best art school

True to CalArts’ founding ethos, our community of artists—students and faculty alike—works across metiers in dialogue with one another. Here, art students collaborate across disciplines and investiate hybrid art forms—not only within the School of Art, but throughout the Institute. 

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With offerings at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, each distinct program offers specific courses of study and yet none is isolated from the others. This accumulation of diverse expertise creates a rich environment for experimentation, exploration and innovation, in which students sharpen their skills, refine their vision, and create the foundations for a sustainable, independent practice as they expand the definitions of contemporary art-making.

BFA programs

With small class sizes, dedicated mentorship, and an open-ended, experience-based pedagogy, all of our undergraduate programs provide the inspiration and support you need to unleash your creative potential on day one.

MFA programs

Rigorous critique, fluent discourse, and cross-genre collaboration are hallmarks of CalArts’ graduate programs, where you’ll build the creative network and individual practice to sustain your life’s work. 

Studios, labs, and exhibition spaces

The spaces where the work gets made … and shown

All School of Art students have 24/7 access to shared or individual studios, plus many program- and media-specific labs, shops, and specialized studios to support your art-making. And our eight on-campus galleries ensure regular opportunities to exhibit your work.

A gallery painted pink with red carpet and images on the walls.

East of Borneo

Dedicated to exploring and documenting West Coast art, East of Borneo is a collaborative platform founded by former Dean Tom Lawson. The journal offers a rich platform of essays, interviews, and a multimedia archive focused on the visual culture of Los Angeles. With exhibitions, talks, screenings, and workshops, East of Borneo strengthens CalArts’ connections with the art world, fostering dialogue and exploration within the region’s creative network.

Woman looks into camera in a photo that looks like pop-art

School of Art News

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School of Art Events

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Interested in applying to the School of Art?

View our step-by-step application guide to learn more.

Start your application