California Institute of the Arts

Step into the vibrant world of California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), a trailblazing institution born from Walt Disney's vision to revolutionize arts education. Founded in 1961 through the merger of the esteemed Chouinard Art Institute and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, CalArts was conceived as a destination for artistic talent, a feeder school for the burgeoning arts industries that Disney himself knew so well. It quickly became a haven for counterculture and avant-garde artists, shaping a unique educational philosophy that continues to thrive today.

CalArts is globally renowned for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to the arts. While initially formed to address financial difficulties of its predecessors, the institute grew to establish iconic programs like Character Animation and Jazz, attracting students who seek to push creative boundaries. Its history is marked by resilience, from overcoming financial instability in its early years to navigating the challenges of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, which saw classes temporarily held in tents. This spirit of adaptability underscores a student experience that is both rigorous and deeply experimental.

Under the leadership of presidents like Robert J. Fitzpatrick and Steven D. Lavine, CalArts solidified its reputation, expanding enrollment and developing cutting-edge programs. Today, under President Ravi Rajan, the institute continues to foster an environment of artistic exploration, evident in its experimental interdisciplinary laboratories such as the CHANEL Center for Artists and Technology and the Cotsen Center for Puppetry. Prospective students and families will find an institution dedicated to nurturing diverse artistic voices and preparing them for dynamic careers in the arts.