Renowned civil rights activist Dolores Huerta to introduce Carrasco at CalArts commencement ceremony
Barbara Carrasco (left), Drew Barrymore (right)
Valencia, CA (May 12, 2025) — California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is pleased to announce its 2025 honorary degree recipients: artist, activist, and CalArts alum Barbara Carrasco (Art MFA 91) and actor, producer, director, and entrepreneur Drew Barrymore. Carrasco will speak at the May ceremony, introduced by her longtime friend and collaborator, labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta.
CalArts confers Honorary Doctor of Arts degrees to individuals who consistently represent the bold innovation and visionary creativity championed by the Institute, and who have made extraordinary contributions to contemporary arts and culture. Last year’s recipients were film director and screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood and actor and musician Keanu Reeves.
In nominating Carrasco, CalArts Board of Trustees Chair Charmaine Jefferson said, “As an alum of CalArts, Barbara Carrasco embodies the institution’s spirit of innovation and creativity. Her commitment to mentoring emerging artists and her emphasis on art as a form of activism resonates deeply with CalArts’ mission to inspire social responsibility within its students and faculty.”
Carrasco is a distinguished artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries, merging visual art with social commentary to address critical issues such as cultural identity, social justice, and community empowerment. Her vibrant and graphic works reflect her deep connection to her Mexican heritage and serve as powerful tools for advocacy and change. Her murals—including the monumental L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, which is permanently installed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County—are not just artistic expressions but also educational tools that illuminate the rich history and contributions of the Latinx community. Her ability to weave complex narratives into visually stunning art demonstrates her unique talent and commitment to her craft.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Carrasco has been an influential educator, mentoring countless students and emerging artists. Her workshops and lectures emphasize the importance of using art as a means of expression and activism, inspiring the next generation to engage critically with societal issues. She was active with the United Farm Workers, creating banners for them between the years of 1976 and 1991. She is a founding member of the Dolores Huerta Foundation and serves as a board member.
Huerta will personally introduce Carrasco at CalArts’ graduation ceremony on May 16. A renowned American labor leader and civil rights activist, Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers union alongside Cesar Chavez, and is considered one of the most influential organizers and advocates for the rights of workers, women, immigrants, and people living in poverty.
President Ravi Rajan noted Barrymore’s selection by the CalArts Board of Trustees: “The spirit of storytelling that defines Drew Barrymore’s career is well known by the CalArts community. From the time of Walt Disney’s vision for CalArts, we have believed in the transformative power of narratives, whether told through film, visual arts, writing, performance, or new combinations of these forms. Drew’s belief in personal strength coming from vulnerability further embodies the type of commitment, emotional depth, and authenticity that CalArts strives to cultivate in all its students.”
An accomplished figure in the entertainment industry, Barrymore’s career spans decades, showcasing her versatility as an actor, producer, director, and entrepreneur. From her breakout role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to her work in films like Never Been Kissed and The Wedding Singer, Barrymore has captivated audiences with her unique blend of charm, authenticity, and emotional depth.
Her work through Flower Films, the production company she co-founded, has pushed boundaries in content and empowering women and diverse voices in the industry. She encourages young artists to embrace their vulnerabilities and harness them as sources of strength, which is vital for fostering a supportive and nurturing artistic community.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Barrymore has engaged with audiences through her successful talk show, where she shares uplifting stories and celebrates creativity in various forms. Earlier this year, President Rajan appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show to surprise the host with the news that she had been selected to receive an honorary CalArts degree as part of her 50th birthday celebration. Although unable to attend the ceremony in person due to a scheduling conflict, Barrymore has produced a video to celebrate and congratulate CalArts’ graduating class of 2025.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) has set the pace for educating professional artists since 1970. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions. As successive generations of faculty and alumni have helped shape the landscape of contemporary arts, the Institute first envisioned by Walt Disney encompasses a vibrant, eclectic community with global reach, inviting experimentation, independent inquiry, and active collaboration and exchange among artists, artistic disciplines, and cultural traditions.