CalArts Introduces Innovative BFA Program Merging Art with Technology in Creative Computing

CalArts Unveils New BFA Program in Creative Computing

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in Creative Computing, gearing up to welcome its inaugural cohort in the fall of 2026. This pioneering initiative is among the first of its kind in the United States, reflecting CalArts' dedication to merging artistic ingenuity with advanced technological advancements.

Designed as an interdisciplinary curriculum, the Creative Computing BFA aims to furnish students with a solid foundation in key technical disciplines, including computer science, electrical engineering, and signal processing. Participants will also engage with forward-thinking technologies such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) alongside machine learning. Beyond technical training, the program emphasizes nurturing a unique artistic voice, encouraging students to utilize technology as a medium for storytelling, cultural commentary, and artistic exploration.

Students enrolled in this program will have the flexibility to specialize in one of five distinct areas: Game Design, Music Technology, Coding for Design, Spatial Computing, or Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. This structure is designed not only to equip students with diverse skill sets but also to enhance their creative thinking through practical applications of technology in the arts.

Interim Provost Michael Bryant highlighted the transformative potential of the program, stating, "Students will graduate prepared to lead in the expanding world of creative technologies and define the creative industries of the future." This commitment to equipping students for success in the evolving job market aligns seamlessly with CalArts' broader initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in creative technologies.

The introduction of the Creative Computing BFA coincides with several ambitious projects at CalArts, including the recently established CHANEL Center for Artists and Technology. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the CHANEL Culture Fund, positions artists at the forefront of shaping technological advancements that influence our daily lives and establishes CalArts as a pivotal hub in the intersection of arts and technology. Furthermore, the D.R.E.A.M.S. (Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Storytelling) initiative, launched in 2025, aims to prepare students for rewarding careers within the fast-growing sector of location-based entertainment.

Enrollment for the BFA in Creative Computing program is currently open. Aspiring students eager to embrace this unique blending of art and technology are invited to explore further details at calarts.edu/creativecomputing.

For over five decades, the California Institute of the Arts has been at the forefront of professional arts education, merging rigorous academic programs with a commitment to fostering new creative expressions. Founded by Walt Disney in 1970, CalArts encompasses six distinct schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—encouraging a vibrant, diverse community committed to experimentation, collaboration, and cultural dialogue.

As today's creative landscape continues to evolve, CalArts remains dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in this dynamic environment, reaffirming its legacy as a leader in the arts education sector.