California Academy of Arts California Institute of the Arts (CalArts for short) is the top art college in the United States, and the first art college in the United States that provides bachelor's and master's degrees in visual arts and performing arts. It has cultivated numerous outstanding art creators. The California Academy of Arts offers a variety of unique courses for undergraduate and graduate students in its six world-famous schools - Arts, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music and Drama. CalArts has been recognized by the WSCUC of the Western Association of Colleges and Universities. CalArts is a member of the National Association of Dance Schools (NASD) and the National Association of Art and Design Schools (NASAD). Its professional artists, performing artists, film producers, animation production and other creative talents are distributed around the world.

In 1961, Walt Disney and Roy Disney brothers merged Los Angeles Conservatory of Music (1883) and Chouinard Art Institute (1921) of Cunard Art Institute to form California Institute of the Arts. In 2006, the California Academy of Arts became the first film school to be recorded in the history of The Museum of Modern Art.

Shortly after the establishment of the California Academy of Arts, Walt Disney introduced the school to the world as a fundraiser at the premiere of his famous film "Joy on Earth" (1964). The unique conditions have made the California Academy of Arts a pioneer in film and television art since its inception, It has provided a large number of art (especially animation) talents for major film and television companies in the United States, especially Disney. The California Academy of Arts has departments such as Art, Critical Studies of Art Criticism, Dance, Film/Video Production, Music and Theater.

U.S.A CalArts World ranking:

The California Institute of Arts ranked 21st in the world and 9th in the United States in the 2019QS World University Professional Ranking (Art&Design). In the BAI World Academy of Fine Arts rankings released by Bevix International Kyodo, the California Academy of Arts ranked third in the world, and the animation major set up under the Film and Television Academy ranked first in the United States.

California Academy of Arts ranked 24th in the art design world of QS World University in 2023

Campus:

The school has two campuses, one in downtown San Francisco and the other in Auckland. The Bay Area where CCA is located is rich in educational resources, adjacent to Stanford University, UC Berkeley and other comprehensive colleges, as well as Silicon Valley, the birthplace of high-tech in the United States. All majors of California Academy of Arts are at the front end of the field, including industrial design, graphic design, interior design and photography.

CCA's main campus is located in Auckland across from San Francisco. Founded by Frederick Meyer in 1907, it officially had the name of CCAC in 1936 (later renamed CCA, and still in use today). After World War II, many departments were added, such as furniture design, glass, interior design, film, video, etc. Frederick Meyer, the founder of the school, is a landscape architect himself and occupies a seat in the design and craft movement in the 20th century. The ratio of teachers to students in the university is about one to ten. The most popular majors in the university department are graphic design, architecture, painting/drawing oil painting and painting. The most international students in the university are from Japan, and the second most are from South Korea and Taiwan.

CalArts Ranking of advantageous majors:

CalArts illustration design major ranks fourth in the United States

CalArts' pure art and sculpture majors rank fifth in the United States in terms of undergraduate degree and fourth in terms of master degree; Photography ranks ninth in both undergraduate and graduate students in the United States

CalArts' visual communication ranks ninth among undergraduate students and sixth among graduate students in the United States

CalArts, the film major of California Academy of Arts, ranks ninth in both undergraduate and graduate students in the United States

CalArts animation design majors rank first in both undergraduate and master degrees in the United States; The digital media major ranks No. 3 in the United States

CalArts' clothing design and textile fabric majors rank fifth in the United States

CalArts undergraduate and graduate tuition and living expenses list:

Tuition for studying abroad: $45030/academic year; Accommodation: $11715 per academic year; Medical insurance expense: $1995/school year; Student living expenses: $100/academic year; Energy cost: $100/academic year; Technical service fee: $400/academic year; Laboratory expenses:

Scholarship: The scholarships offered by California Art School to international students are very limited and competitive. International students have the opportunity to obtain CalArts scholarship, which is a Merit based scholarship. It is automatically issued with the offer and does not need to apply separately. In addition, international students can also apply for scholarships provided by some external institutions.

Food: The canteen must also follow UCLA There is nothing like ucla. The dishes are few and not very delicious. Generally speaking, the breakfast is delicious (until 12 o'clock).

Dormitory: Some schoolmates suggest that you bring the single bed quilt cover from China. There are two rooms and three rooms in the school dormitory, which is safe and convenient!

Cca and calarts:

Calarts address is Los Angeles, and CCA Address of California Academy of Arts Located in San Francisco, they are all famous big cities on the west coast of the United States. The emphasis of the two universities is also different. Calarts focuses on film and television, animation, etc. CCA is about art design.

CCA California Academy of Arts It is the top art and design school in the United States, divided into two campuses, one in the Bay Area of San Francisco, and the other in Auckland (not New Zealand) next to San Francisco. Founded in 1907, it has a long history. CCA in U S. News ranked fourth in the ranking of national design colleges.

Admission rate:

The California Institute of the Arts provides a collaborative art creation environment. All kinds of artists, students can develop and create freely (and have their own copyright reserved). Through intercultural communication, the school helps artists and students to play as widely as possible in the process of experiment and understanding of artistic creation. It is world-famous for its art education inspired by imagination and creativity. Therefore, the admission rate is extremely low, the proportion of works collection in the application is very large, and the students' styles are different, so the reference is not strong.

Application fee: USD $85

Self provided personal work collection, education form, financial certificate and official transcript

CalArts and UCLA Los Angeles and Otis share some academic resources, while Otis College of Art and Design has more. Otis has a large number of teachers who are CalArts or alumni, and on the whole, they are very similar to CalArts in methodology.

Recommended by American Animation Design Institutes ： University of Southern California ， New York Institute of Visual Arts 。

Major setting of California Academy of Arts:

Undergraduate major ：

Pure art, graphic design, photography and media, film and video, experimental animation, character animation, performance, stage design, costume design, lighting design;

Postgraduate major ：

Performance, aesthetics and politics, choreography, pure art, graphic design, art and technology, film and video, experimental animation, stage design, costume design, lighting design, director;

pure art

While continuing to explore cultural development, pure art majors encourage students to question the traditional concept of contemporary art, which challenges each artist to develop a key self-awareness, better understand problems, and spread them to today's society. The project not only includes studio theory and practice, but also provides guidance in a wide range of media, including painting, sketch, print, photography, digital image, sculpture, equipment, video, film, text and performance. The project does not require students to focus on specific directions, but relies on flexible structure, providing personalized teaching and guidance, emphasizing the convergence of ideas, and developing working methods, Achieve independent work.

Graphic Artist Designer

Graphic design plays an important and diverse role in today's culture. Graphic design projects provide students with a wide range of applications: from publishing design to web design, from film title and broadcast design to exhibition design, from type design to vocational design education. The project emphasizes both practical and conceptual aspects, so that each designer's visual language is closely combined with imagination, theory and technology. The class size of design major is small, focusing on close relationship and critical thinking, cultivating the ability of debate and discussion, and containing practical knowledge. Students can work in public studios (grouped by grade), open 24 hours a day, and can use school facilities and laboratories. Undergraduate and graduate students will have a core course every year, including some compulsory and elective courses, which makes the course structure more flexible. The major of design is an outstanding teacher, visiting professor and visiting professor. Whether it is an MFA or BFA project, students are not only simple character tasks, but also prepare for their graduation, establish independent methods, eye-catching works, and express strong ideas.

Photography and Media

The major of photography and media is dedicated to cultivating independent artists. Starting from basic work, curriculum design challenges traditional concepts and arts, and challenges the views of contemporary culture. Students are encouraged to debate and practice, because everything is in the process of development, especially photography, which maintains a stable relationship with other arts, produces many new practices, or believes that it is changeable. Teachers have extensive practice, some are pure photography, some are completely digital and their writing and publishing works, painting, video, film production, network art, digital media and installation.

Movies and videos

Film and video majors are prepared for students to express themselves in film and video media. Video and film are expressions for them, not simple production modes. In the seminar mode, each student can develop and improve himself like a respected artist hospital. The teaching staff of this project is independent and concentrated, supporting a wide range of work: from personal prose collections and political documentaries to narrative practice, from lyrical and abstract films to new media. Students can acquire all-round technical and practical skills, learn critical thinking of media, and strive to develop accurate language and aesthetic concepts.

Experimental animation

Art principles and practice are important aspects of experimental animation. These learning courses are specially prepared for independent artists who are interested in expressing themselves and regard animation as an enduring art form; The project provides a framework for students to explore, develop and improve their knowledge requirements, and pays attention to aesthetic concepts and professional practice in the creation process, CalArts Animation Course It is based on the understanding of animation technology and concepts. The courses on 2D drawing, direct animation, still animation film and the combination of 2D and 3D computer animation integrate practical knowledge and creativity. The animation history course provides a detailed introduction and emphasizes the history of various animation experiments; After completing the basic research, students will work closely with their tutors and other students to practice and expand their unique artistic views. Through advanced courses, tutors will provide students with more personalized learning courses, and help them customize courses according to the unique interests of each student; The experimental animation project enjoys a long-term and excellent international reputation. Teachers, students and alumni of this major have won awards in film festivals in the United States, Europe and Asia successively, and have been highly praised in the development of animation art.

Character animation

The role animation project of the California Academy of Arts is designed for students who seek to understand the art of role performance and tell stories through animation. The project provides comprehensive art and technical training to help each student become a true animation artist. This major has both traditional animation environment and computer-generated (CG) animation environment. In order to better guide students, experienced professionals are arranged as teachers. They are all cutting-edge experts in traditional, CG and independent animation fields; This major lasts for four years. In the first academic year, students mainly focus on daily sketch, color, design, story description and character animation, both traditional means and computer design; The second academic year brings these achievements of students to a higher level, such as adding sound effects and musical elements; In the third academic year, students usually participate in advanced courses, including traditional animation in the form of stories, CG computer animation, specialized painting, illustration, novels and advanced visual design. In the last year, students can reach the core and highest level and customize courses according to their fields of interest; In addition to the course requirements, the project also allows students to participate in lectures, performances and screenings of visiting artists, including famous animation producers, producers, actors and comedians.

perform

The performance major of the California Academy of Arts focuses on the future and is designed for young artists. This program is to guide students to become comprehensive drama artists, with the skills to describe their own creativity and professional path. Therefore, the project seeks talented, imaginative and passionate actors. The four-year undergraduate course focuses on the cultivation of voice, speech, action and drama creation. First year students focus on increasing technology, imagination and artistry. After the first year, the performance will be gradually combined to create more collaborators and a better sense of community.

Stage design

This major focuses on the skills and knowledge required by professional stage designers, and requires a comprehensive understanding of many aspects involved in designers' creation, not just the visual background. Christopher Barreca, the stage designer, derives his teaching ideas from his active practice on international, local and Broadway stages; As a cooperative process, the course explores various aspects of ready to perform, such as the shaping of visual arts, aesthetic complexity, critical thinking and skills. As most stage designers work in theaters, this major is closely related to other visual arts projects, as well as dance, performing arts, films and videos.

clothing design

Ellen McCartney, the designer, is the chairman of the film major of the school. The clothing design major led by him enables students to develop unique aesthetic values and acquire necessary skills for professional work. The school encourages students to break the traditional fashion design concept and expand other forms of clothing. This project focuses on applying contemporary art philosophy to design media, and requires a global approach to explore the pattern of clothing and decoration, including the relationship between new media and art works. Basic subjects cover clothing history, text analysis, architecture, new technology, and management and graphics capabilities. The course emphasizes critical thinking and the contribution of designers in the collaborative process. In addition to drama, students can cooperate with other students, such as films, video works, dance performances and equipment.

Lighting design

It is committed to artistry and new technology, providing professional training in the lighting design of theaters, and also enabling students to expand their experience and participate in film, video, dance, art and other courses. This course includes text analysis, graphics skills and the use of systems and equipment, including computer technology. A lot of work can help students improve their skills and build their own collections of works.

perform

The performance specialty of the California Academy of Arts is designed for young artists with a view to the future and focuses on their training. This program is intended to guide students to become comprehensive drama artists with the skills and professional path to describe their own creativity. Therefore, the project seeks talented, imaginative and passionate actors. The three-year MFA performance course is designed for students with adventurous spirit, imagination and vitality. The competition for admission is very fierce. The course focuses on the art and technology of actors, and questions common views to explore new possibilities. In the first academic year, students mainly participate in voice, speech and action courses, and improve their performance skills and personal aesthetics; In the second year, he emphasized the study of classical texts, Shakespeare's style and other types; In the last year, additional courses include seminars, contemporary drama and other topics.

Aesthetics and Politics

The California Academy of Arts provides students with vitality and rich experience, develops key frameworks, and discusses a wide range of topics, such as the "Arab Spring" phenomenon, biological art, neo liberalism, third world movies, human rights, and so on. Students can express their ideas through written works. We encourage them to focus on choosing elective courses. This major provides core courses on aesthetic theory, political thought, critical discourse and theoretical writing. In addition, students can focus on three areas: critical theory, global research, media and urban research. The school attaches importance to personal development, encourages one-on-one communication between teachers and students, and holds student forums and a variety of international speeches. Selected applicants can obtain the position of research assistant in the spring semester. All MA students can significantly improve their reading and writing skills, oral presentation skills, creativity and criticism through one-year intensive training. The breadth of the project enables students to realize their dreams, better prepare for their career and open the door for future learning. This program can help students prepare a series of professional courses, including art criticism, art creation, politics and doctoral research.

Choreography

The Master of Dance Arts is a two-year study program aimed at cultivating choreographers and educators who pursue professional careers. Students must complete all course requirements to obtain an MFA degree, and show their own theme concerts in the second year. Interested qualified graduate students can apply for the Integrated Media (IM) course, which is an interdisciplinary course related to digital media. MFA course allows all graduate students to improve their personal aesthetic standards. The courses include professional dance courses, professional dance arrangement and organization concepts, practical concert goals, etc. The courses are also classified according to technical composition, dance theory, costume design, dance production, dance photography, digital media and editing.

pure art

While continuing to explore cultural development, pure art majors encourage students to question the traditional concept of contemporary art, which challenges each artist to develop a key self-awareness, better understand problems, and spread them to today's society. The project not only includes studio theory and practice, but also provides guidance in a wide range of media, including painting, sketch, print, photography, digital video, sculpture, equipment, video, film, text and performance. The project does not require students to focus on a specific direction, but relies on flexible structure, providing personalized teaching and guidance, emphasizing the convergence of ideas, developing working methods, and achieving independent work.

Graphic Artist Designer

Graphic design plays an important and diverse role in today's culture. Graphic design projects provide students with a wide range of applications: from publishing design to web design, from film title and broadcast design to exhibition design, from type design to vocational design education. The project emphasizes both practical and conceptual aspects, so that each designer's visual language is closely combined with imagination, theory and technology. The design professional class is small, focusing on close relations and critical thinking, cultivating the ability to debate and discuss, and including practical knowledge. Students can work in public studios (grouped by grade), open 24 hours a day, and can use school facilities and laboratories. Undergraduate and graduate students will have a core course every year, including some compulsory and elective courses, which makes the course structure more flexible. The design major is an outstanding teacher, visiting professor and guest lecturer. Whether it is an MFA or BFA project, students are not only simple character tasks, but also prepare for their graduation, establish independent methods, eye-catching works, and express strong ideas.

Art and technology

The two-year Master of Arts and Technology program aims to encourage students to develop innovative strategies, technical skills and critical thinking skills. Here, students will pursue the work beyond traditional media to combine new art forms and alternatives as well as interactive design and expression. The challenge for the student union is to explore new technologies and find a key point to combine contemporary culture and technology with social and political aspects. This project will allow students to explore more possibilities and the convergence of global art and technology. Students will receive good training in language and contemporary art practice, new media and art, society and politics, and personal concepts. The College will investigate technology and artistic techniques from the perspective of innovation and change, while allowing multi-disciplinary and diverse creative processes. Focusing on studio based practice and dialogue between teachers and students, the course provides technical guidance and creatively uses technology, including computer programming, Web system, digital video production, digital audio design, digital video, interactive multimedia, etc. This extensive technical guidance enhances the challenge to traditional concepts. The course also includes group criticism and key technology seminars, emphasizing independent research and individual guidance. Each student meets with the tutor regularly to discuss the feedback and evaluation during the study period. In addition to discussing the students' work and seminars, they also discuss current issues in a wide range of fields such as art and technology.

Movies and videos

Film and video majors are prepared for students to express themselves in film and video media. Video and film are expressions for them, not simple production modes. In the seminar mode, every student can develop and improve himself like a respected artist. The teachers of the project are independent and concentrated, supporting a wide range of work: from personal prose collections and political documentaries to narrative practice, from lyric and abstract films to new media. Students can acquire all-round technical and practical skills, learn critical thinking of media, and strive to develop accurate language and aesthetic concepts.

Experimental animation

Art principles and practice are important aspects of experimental animation. These courses are specially prepared for independent artists who are interested in expressing themselves and regard animation as an enduring art form. The experimental animation project of California Academy of Arts provides a framework for students to explore, develop and improve their knowledge requirements, Pay attention to aesthetic concepts and professional practice in the creation process. The foundation of the course is animation technology and understanding of concepts.

The courses on 2D drawing, direct animation, still animation film and 2D and 3D computer animation blend practical knowledge with creativity. The animation history course provides a detailed introduction and emphasizes the history of various animation experiments. After completing the basic research, students will work closely with their instructors and other students to practice and expand their unique artistic views. Through advanced courses, tutors will provide students with more personalized learning courses and help them customize courses according to their unique interests. The experimental animation project enjoys a long-term and excellent international reputation. Teachers, students and alumni of this major have won awards in film festivals in the United States, Europe and Asia successively, and have been highly praised in the development of animation art.

Stage design

This major focuses on the skills and knowledge required by professional stage designers, and requires a comprehensive understanding of many aspects involved in designers' creation, not just the visual background. Christopher Barreca, a stage designer, derives his teaching ideas from his active practice on international, local and Broadway stages; As a cooperative process, the course explores various aspects of ready to perform, such as the shaping of visual arts, aesthetic complexity, critical thinking and skills. As most stage designers work in theaters, this major is closely related to other visual arts projects, as well as dance, performing arts, films and videos.

clothing design

Ellen McCartney, the designer, is the chairman of the film major of the school. The clothing design major led by him enables students to develop unique aesthetic values and acquire necessary skills for professional work. The school encourages students to break the traditional clothing design concept and expand other forms in clothing. The project focuses on the application of contemporary art philosophy to design media. It needs a global approach to explore the mode of clothing and decoration, including the relationship between new media and art works. The basic subjects cover clothing history, text analysis, architecture, new technology and management and graphics capabilities. The course emphasizes critical thinking and the contribution of designers in the collaborative process. In addition to drama, students can cooperate with other students, such as films, video works, dance performances and equipment.

Lighting design

It is committed to artistry and new technology, providing professional training in the lighting design of theaters, and also enabling students to expand their experience and participate in film, video, dance, art and other courses. This course includes text analysis, graphic skills and the use of systems and equipment, including computer technology. A lot of work can help students improve their skills and build their own portfolios.

director

The three-year Master of Arts program is dedicated to art practice and helps talented students set their own personal goals. Under the leadership of Travis Preston, a famous international director, the director project aims to select and train directors and bring about a pioneering impact on the future American film industry. To this end, the school promotes the development of individuals in art experiments. This project is to meet the needs and artistic interests of each student, who will create innovative and cutting-edge film career in the future. The project emphasizes practical experience, and students can direct in the classroom, laboratory and studio. At the same time, students can extensively participate in performance courses and choose other courses of the California Academy of Arts. Many MFA students are engaged in interdisciplinary cooperation with other students at the California Academy of Arts, and others have many internship opportunities.

undergraduate

closing date

Early application: December 1; General: January 5

Application requirements

Language requirements: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 80; SAT (not required)

You need to submit transcripts, SAT scores, language scores, portfolios, resumes, artist statements and two letters of recommendation online.

graduate student

closing date

January 5th

Application requirements

Language requirements: IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 100

You need to submit transcripts, language scores, collections of works, artist statements and three letters of recommendation online. At least one letter of recommendation is required from someone who understands the applicant's artwork.

undergraduate

Art, photography and media

You need to submit a collection of works through Slideroom. The content should include about 20 representative recent works. Each picture should be placed separately. Do not make it into a PDF or submit a website link. Fill in the introduction and title of the works in the corresponding space of Slideroom. Do not fill in these information elsewhere. Do not include class assignments. There is no word limit for statements. It is recommended to write between 500 and 1000 words. The following questions need to be answered:

1) What are your artistic interests/goals?

2) What artistic creation do you care about?

3) What major do you want to apply for?

Graphic Artist Designer

Statement: Focus on your interest and knowledge in graphic design.

Album: At least 20 pictures. Including graphic design, typesetting, illustration, action image, website design, photography and concept painting. It can also include paintings, sketches, and collages. It can also include classroom assignments, independent projects and professional works. Please submit works that can reflect your software skills and traditional skills.

Art and technology

You need to submit a collection of works through Slideroom. The content should include about 20 representative recent works. Each picture should be placed separately. Do not make it into a PDF or submit a website link. Fill in the introduction and title of the works in the corresponding space of Slideroom. Do not fill in these information elsewhere. Do not include class assignments.

Movies and videos

Collection of professional films : Mainly video, with a total duration of 10 minutes. If the length is more than 10 minutes, you can edit it into a short video and attach a link. You can also attach works in other fields, such as painting and photography. Each work should have a title, duration, media, personal role and work introduction. It is also required to write comments such as artist statements, movies, TV books (not plot briefs), project plans, and resumes.

Character animation

Works collection: including observation sketches (at least 15 pieces), sketch books and other works.

graduate student

Art, photography and media

It is required to submit a collection of works through Slideroom. The content should include about 20 representative recent works. Each picture should be placed separately. Do not make it into a PDF or submit it to the website for connection; Fill in the work introduction and title in the corresponding space of Slideroom, do not fill in these information in other places, and do not include class assignments. There is no word limit for statements. It is recommended to write between 500 and 1000 words. The following questions need to be answered:

1) What are your artistic interests/goals?

2) What artistic creation do you care about?

3) What major do you want to apply for?

Graphic Artist Designer

Statement: Focus on your interest and knowledge in graphic design.

Postgraduate portfolio: at least 20 pictures, and interview.

Movies and videos

Collection of works: mainly video, with a total duration of 10 minutes. If the length exceeds 10 minutes, you can edit it into a short video and attach a link. You can also attach works in other fields, such as painting and photography. Each work should have a title, duration, media, personal role and work introduction.

Comments such as statements, movies, TV books, etc. (do not write a plot summary), project plans, and resumes are required.

Film director

Postgraduate portfolio: a short documentary, about 2-3 minutes long; Perform a one minute long dramatic monologue from memory.

In addition, you also need a resume, artist statement, project introduction, introduction to four books you like in the past year, three to five movies or dramas you like.

1、 CalArts Art Application Truth : The collection of works is a collection of your best and recent art works. It should highlight your artistic experience. It is a visual document that shows your artistic achievements, and can show your talent and potential as an artist; No matter how long you have created works, as long as you have your own collection of artistic works, it is enough to make a collection of works. Encourage students to show a series of images that represent their current interests. In addition, the portfolio should include additional works to show your awareness of formal visual organization principles and experience with a variety of tools, media, types and ways.

2. The portfolio submitted for admission application should contain 10-20 digital images of your best and most recent works, and encourage transfer applicants to show course assignments, personal projects or work experience; Show your current interests and include additional works to show your awareness of formal visual organization principles and experience with a variety of tools, media, types and ways. The college prefers to submit most of the drawings in the collection of works from direct observation rather than other sources (such as photography). Still life, landscape, human body sketch, portrait, perspective and sketch are recommended; More 2D, 3D, or 4D works can be abstract or concrete, and can be design projects, art works, or installation art.

Collection of overseas works of art: PDF version with watermark, and PDF version of students' experience in the process of applying for production (not too detailed), which is concise and clear, including: (1) student introduction; (2) Apply for schools and majors; (3) Applying institutions; (4) Watermark works; (5) Collection

3. The application fee of the California Academy of Arts has an "early bird discount": if you apply before December 1, international students will only need $65, otherwise you will have to charge $85.