The Arts Division at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a vibrant and interdisciplinary hub for creative expression, innovation, and critical inquiry. Known for its progressive approach to arts education, the division fosters a collaborative environment where students and faculty explore the intersections of art, technology, culture, and social justice. Located in the picturesque redwood forests overlooking Monterey Bay, UCSC provides a unique setting that inspires creativity and experimentation.

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The UCSC Arts Division is committed to nurturing the next generation of artists, scholars, and cultural leaders. It emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with contemporary issues. Students are encouraged to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and develop their unique artistic voices. The division is deeply integrated into the broader UCSC community, contributing to the university’s reputation as a leader in innovative arts education.

Programs of Study

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The UCSC Arts Division offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, each designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen discipline while encouraging interdisciplinary exploration. Programs are structured to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for careers in the arts and beyond.

Undergraduate Programs
1. Art and Design: Games and Playable Media (B.A.)
– Focuses on game design, interactive media, and playable experiences.
– Combines technical skills with artistic creativity.
– Prepares students for careers in the gaming industry, interactive art, and digital media.

2. Art (B.A.)
– Offers concentrations in Drawing and Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
– Emphasizes studio practice, critical thinking, and art history.
– Encourages experimentation with traditional and contemporary media.

3. Film and Digital Media (B.A.)
– Explores film production, digital media, and critical studies.
– Covers screenwriting, directing, editing, and media theory.
– Prepares students for careers in film, television, and digital content creation.

4. History of Art and Visual Culture (B.A.)
– Examines the historical and cultural contexts of visual art and media.
– Combines art history, visual studies, and critical theory.
– Prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, and academia.

5. Music (B.A.)
– Offers concentrations in Composition, Performance, and Music Studies.
– Emphasizes both classical and contemporary music practices.
– Provides opportunities for ensemble performance and interdisciplinary collaboration.

6. Theater Arts (B.A.)
– Focuses on acting, directing, design, and production.
– Encourages experimentation with traditional and avant-garde theater practices.
– Prepares students for careers in theater, film, and performance art.

Graduate Programs
1. Digital Arts and New Media (M.F.A.)
– A two-year program exploring digital media, interactive art, and emerging technologies.
– Emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and experimental practices.
– Prepares students for careers in digital art, media production, and academia.

2. Social Documentation (M.A.)
– Focuses on documentary practices in film, photography, and multimedia.
– Combines fieldwork, theory, and production.
– Prepares students for careers in documentary filmmaking, journalism, and social advocacy.

3. Music (M.A. and D.M.A.)
– Offers advanced study in composition, performance, and musicology.
– Emphasizes research, creativity, and professional development.
– Prepares students for careers in music performance, composition, and academia.

Facilities

The UCSC Arts Division boasts state-of-the-art facilities that support creative practice and research. These spaces are designed to foster collaboration, experimentation, and innovation.

1. Digital Arts Research Center (DARC)
– A hub for digital media production and research.
– Features labs for game design, virtual reality, and interactive media.
– Equipped with cutting-edge software and hardware.

2. Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center
– Houses studios for painting, sculpture, printmaking, and photography.
– Includes a gallery space for student and faculty exhibitions.
– Provides access to traditional and digital tools.

3. Music Center
– Features rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and performance spaces.
– Equipped with a variety of instruments and audio technology.
– Hosts concerts, recitals, and workshops.

4. Theater Arts Center
– Includes a black box theater, scene shop, and costume studio.
– Supports productions ranging from classical plays to experimental performances.
– Provides opportunities for students to engage in all aspects of theater production.

5. Film and Digital Media Facilities
– Includes editing suites, sound stages, and screening rooms.
– Equipped with professional-grade cameras, lighting, and audio equipment.
– Supports film production, post-production, and media research.

6. Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
– A contemporary art gallery showcasing work by students, faculty, and visiting artists.
– Hosts exhibitions, lectures, and community events.
– Provides a platform for critical dialogue and artistic exchange.

Faculty and Research

The UCSC Arts Division is home to a distinguished faculty of artists, scholars, and practitioners who are leaders in their fields. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, creative practice, and community engagement. Their work spans a wide range of disciplines, including digital media, visual arts, music, theater, and film.

Research in the Arts Division is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and focus on contemporary issues. Faculty and students collaborate on projects that address topics such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. The division also hosts visiting artists, scholars, and performers who contribute to the vibrant intellectual and creative community.

Community Engagement and Outreach

The UCSC Arts Division is deeply committed to engaging with the local and global community. Through partnerships with cultural organizations, schools, and community groups, the division provides opportunities for students to apply their skills in real-world contexts. Programs such as the ArtsBridge initiative connect UCSC students with K-12 schools to promote arts education.

The Arts division also hosts public events, including exhibitions, performances, and lectures, that are open to the community. These events provide a platform for dialogue and exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of the arts in society.

Notable Alumni

The UCSC Arts Division has produced a number of notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture. These include:
– Michelle Branch (Music) – Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter.
– Danny Elfman (Music) – Composer and musician, known for his work with Oingo Boingo and film scores.
– Laurie Anderson (Visiting Artist) – Pioneering multimedia artist and musician.
– Alex Rivera (Film and Digital Media) – Award-winning filmmaker and digital media artist.

The UC Santa Cruz Arts Division is a dynamic and innovative center for arts education and research. With its diverse programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, the division provides students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in the ever-evolving world of the arts. Whether through studio practice, performance, or critical inquiry, students in the UCSC Arts Division are empowered to make meaningful contributions to culture and society.

Contact Information for UC Santa Cruz Arts Division:

General Inquiries
Phone: (831) 459-2861

Email: artsdiv@ucsc.edu

Website: https://arts.ucsc.edu

Mailing Address
UC Santa Cruz Arts Division
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
USA

Department-Specific Contacts
Art Department

Phone: (831) 459-2272

Email: artinfo@ucsc.edu

Website: https://art.ucsc.edu

Film and Digital Media Department

Phone: (831) 459-3204

Email: fdm@ucsc.edu

Website: https://film.ucsc.edu

History of Art and Visual Culture Department

Phone: (831) 459-2868

Email: havc@ucsc.edu

Website: https://havc.ucsc.edu

Music Department

Phone: (831) 459-2156

Email: music@ucsc.edu

Website: https://music.ucsc.edu

Theater Arts Department

Phone: (831) 459-2787

Email: theater@ucsc.edu

Website: https://theater.ucsc.edu

Graduate Programs
Digital Arts and New Media (M.F.A.)

Email: danm@ucsc.edu

Website: https://danm.ucsc.edu

Social Documentation (M.A.)

Email: socdoc@ucsc.edu

Website: https://socdoc.ucsc.edu

Music (M.A. and D.M.A.)

Email: music@ucsc.edu

Website: https://music.ucsc.edu/graduate

Facilities and Galleries
Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery

Phone: (831) 459-3606

Email: sesnon@ucsc.edu

Website: https://sesnon.ucsc.edu

Digital Arts Research Center (DARC)

Email: darc@ucsc.edu

Website: https://darc.ucsc.edu

Social Media
Instagram: @ucsc_arts

Facebook: UC Santa Cruz Arts Division

Twitter: @UCSC_Arts

YouTube: UCSC Arts Division

Visiting Campus
Campus Address:
UC Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
USA

Directions and Parking:
Visit https://maps.ucsc.edu for maps, directions, and parking information.