CalArts is more than just a building; it’s the foundation for our community.
We recognize that our spaces, which house a wide range of artistic practice, require constant care and substantial investment. Our Facilities Development & Management team is focused on the long-term health of our buildings, ensuring that this campus can serve as a resilient, supportive home for generations of artists to come.
Strategic investments
In addition to the large-scale projects, our Facilities team is constantly working on strategic, behind-the-scenes updates that strengthen our infrastructure and prepare us for the future:
Financial & environmental responsibility: We are actively pursuing projects that result in energy efficiency campus-wide. This includes upgrading mechanical systems and integrating energy-saving technologies not only to reduce our environmental impact but also to achieve long-term cost savings that benefit the entire institution.
Infrastructure planning: Our team is focused on preventative maintenance and systems planning. This work addresses the reality of aging infrastructure, ensuring the core functionality of our studios and labs is reliable.
Future adaptability: We are focused on making foundational investments—like the EV infrastructure at The Lodge—that prepare the campus to meet the future needs of technology and sustainability mandates.
Maintaining the essentials: The team manages the ongoing, necessary work of maintaining common areas, performance venues, and outdoor spaces. This includes essential upkeep to keep our environment functional and welcoming, balancing the needs of our high-intensity artistic practices with the realities of maintaining a large facility.
These continuous, strategic investments reflect our commitment to maintaining a functional, enduring campus—our community home—where you can sustainably focus on your work.
What’s on campus?
From state-of-the-art recording studios and animation labs to black box theaters and expansive performances spaces, the campus is thrumming with potential for artistic innovation.
Each school at CalArts maintains labs, rehearsal rooms, and studio space to facilitate all the stages of making art. See more of what is available to our campus community:
CalArts is transforming Butler Building #6 into the Chanel Center for Art and Technology. This is a dedicated hub for immersive design and cutting-edge tech, giving students a futuristic space to build and showcase experimental work.
BB4 Art Studios
The School of Art just opened 14 brand-new studios in Butler Building 4. These spaces feature skylights for natural light, commercial-grade sinks for heavy-duty projects, and a 350-square-foot dedicated critique zone for cohort gatherings.
A207 Lecture Space
The former Provost’s Office, a 2,400-square-foot space, has been converted into a lecture hall and event space for up to 150 people.
D.R.E.A.M.S. Lab
Our newly upgraded lab (D206a) is the headquarters for the D.R.E.A.M.S. initiative. This is where CalArts meets the industry, connecting students directly with professional commercial projects in immersive media, podcasting, and digital storytelling.
