CalArts - California Institute of the Arts

CalArts - by Giovanna Mauad e Isabella Carelli, 2ºA

Santa Clarita, California. 30 miles north of Los Angeles.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CALARTS

The California Institute of the Arts is renowned internationally as a game-changer in the education of professional artists. They bring out visionary creative talent unlike any other university, school or conservatory.

CalArts is a school founded by the brothers Walt and Roy Disney in 1961. It is currently the 17th best institution in the world for those who want to study Arts and Design, according to the QS by Subject ranking.

The project has already been classified by the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MOMA) as “a truly successful experiment in US art education”.

One of the proofs of CalArts' success is the performance of its students, who began studying there in 1970, in the job market. Notable alumni include Brad Bird (in charge of The Incredibles), Tim Burton (who made The Strange World of Jack, Edward Scissorhands, Alice in Wonderland and so many other hits), besides John Lasseter (director of Toy Story).

CalArts story video

PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEDIA STUDY PROGRAM

This program is dedicated to image-makers and artists interested in developing their work, engaging in critical conversations in relation to how images shape contemporary culture, and building technical and formal skills with which to expand the possibilities of lens-based work.

With its roots in still photography, the BFA and MFA tracks support students in a broad range of media and approaches, including still and moving images, installation, new media, sound, performance, and publication.

CURIOSITIES

All the classes are grounded in conversations about the histories of photography and media, the politics of representation, the changing role of cameras and photography in our daily lives, social documentary and activism.

The uni’s faculty represents a broad range of these practices within their own work, including analog and digital photography, moving image and installation, writing and publishing, painting and social practice, working between the contexts of museums and galleries, documentary, art criticism, and community and grassroots venues.

JOB MARKET

The photography job market is constantly being updated and more and more photographers are seeking their professional position. The possibilities are diverse, from the market niche to remuneration.

The field of activity, the form of work and the quality of the result will define the photographer's salary. The photography market is always in motion, with the entry of new equipment and professionals, competition increases and, therefore, it is always important to be creative and offer a service with a differential.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

CalArts has a long and rich tradition of attracting and welcoming the most talented international students in the world. One out of every five students at CalArts is international, representing nearly 50 different countries. Many of CalArts distinguished faculty are also international, adding to the artistic and academic diversity of our community.

Step 1: International Academic Transcript

Credentials, diplomas and certificates of secondary-school and college-level work must be presented in English translation. International students applying to MFA programs must submit evidence of receipt of an undergraduate degree or its equivalent.

Step 2: Submission of Transcripts

Scan and upload copies of transcripts for all institutions attended. In the online application, you will be prompted to upload a PDF of your scanned documents. Uploaded transcripts should be recent and include the following: your name, the institution name, dates of attendance, grades/marks received, credits, and grading legend.

Step 3: English Language Proficiency

The applicants are expected to be proficient in the English language before applying for admission. In the online application, you will be asked about native language (the language you speak at home) and your experience with English in an academic setting. Applicants who have not attended a school where the language of instruction is English for at least three years prior to graduation, must take the internet based version of the Test of English as a TOEFL or IELTS.

Step 4: Declaration of Finances

All students who are not U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. must complete the online Declaration of Finances form after they have been accepted and submitted their Statement of Intention to Register (SIR) form. This form is to verify that you have sufficient financial resources to pay all educational and living expenses while attending to CalArts. 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

CalArts offers many financial aid options, including institutional, federal, state and private funding sources.

Step 1: Merit Scholarships

All admitted students are considered for Merit Scholarships based on the admissions or audition portfolio. CalArts Merit Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $10,000 per year.  Students who receive Merit Scholarships in their first year of enrollment retain the annual scholarship each year of their degree program.

Step 2: Needs-Based Help

Step 3: Your Award Letter

The CalArts may contact you via email if we need additional documentation or information. finaid@calarts.edu

Step 4: CalArts Scholarship Resources 

After receiving your award letter, complete form.

WORK ON CAMPUS

You are allowed to work during the study period. The university also helps to support the job search and even gives some tips.

• Hourly wages are at least the federal minimum wage, but may be higher depending on job title. The minimum wage is $14.00 per hour.

• Work-study students must complete timesheets on time and accurately for each pay period before being paid.

• Students are paid every two weeks and paychecks can be collected at the Cashier.

• Domestic students can work a maximum of 8 hours a day and 25 hours a week.

• International students can work up to 20 hours per week.

• During breaks, students can work a maximum of 8 hours a day and up to 40 hours a week.

TUITION

CalArts' monthly fee is established annually and is subject to change each year. Tuition covers instruction, facilities and some materials used in regular programs. 

For new students, a nonrefundable tuition deposit of $700, to be applied toward tuition, is due with the Statement of Intention to Register.

Upon registration, new students must make a deposit of $300 to cover loss or damage to CalArts property (keys, library books, equipment, etc.). It is refundable at the time of graduation or withdrawal.

• CalArts offers meal plans. You may choose a plan that includes 5, 10, 14 or 17 meals per week or a block meal plan.

• ​Students may purchase medical coverage through the Institute for a fee, which is added to their tuition, unless students wish to waive their insurance because they have other insurance.

DIPLOMA'S VALIDATION

It's valid in Brazil, you just need to translate it into the brazilian language.