California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

 

Location: Valencia, California

Notable Programs:

• Character Animation
• Experimental Animation
• Theater
• Music Composition

Highlights:

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) was founded by Walt Disney in 1961 and is one of the most influential art schools in the United States. It is renowned for fostering innovation and an experimental spirit. The school places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to freely explore fields such as animation, theater, music, film, and fine arts to develop their unique artistic styles.

The Character Animation program at CalArts is hailed as the "Harvard of Animation," producing numerous masters in animation who have worked at Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks.

The school offers a variety of platforms such as on-campus exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, and theater performances, giving students ample opportunities to gain practical experience during their studies. Additionally, its close ties with the industry provide a solid foundation for future career development.

Famous Alumni:

 

• Tim Burton (Director, Animator)
• Brad Bird (Director of The Incredibles and Ratatouille)
• John Lasseter (Co-founder of Pixar)
• Glen Keane (Disney Animator, Designer of The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast characters)
• David Salle (Contemporary Artist)