A designed blue image of a Save the Date for CalArts graduation on Friday, May 12.

CalArts Graduation: May 12, 2023

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) announces that the 2023 graduation ceremony will be held in the Graduation Courtyard of the CalArts campus Friday, May 12, 2023, at 6 pm.

Graduation Program of Events

The program will be available closer to the event date. 

Other Year End Events

  • 50th Anniversary Weekend: April 28-30 

    • Includes Happenings, Reunion, World Music Festival, Opera, Spring Dance and MFA Open Studios

  • CalArts Expo: May 4 (all day), Main Gallery 

  • Contemporary Vocal Ensemble Concert: May 6 at 5 pm, The Wild Beast, 5 pm 

  • Brass Ensemble Concert: May 6 at 8 pm, The Wild Beast 

  • Spring Dance: May 10-11 at 8:30 pm, REDCAT

  • Graphic Design Showcase: (all day), May 1-6, galleries D300 and D301  

  • Actors Showcase: May 11 at 6 pm, MOD Theater 

  • BFA 4 Dance Graduation Concert: May 13 (time TBD), Sharon Disney Lund Theater 

President’s Reception

Family and friends of the graduating class are invited to come meet with President Ravi Rajan prior to the Graduation Ceremony. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served.

  • Date: Friday, May 12, 2023
  • Time: 4 pm - 5:30 pm  
  • Location: CalArts Main Gallery
  • Open to graduates, guests, faculty, and staff.

Graduation Ceremony

Ceremony Information

  • Date: Friday, May 12
  • Time: Open seating begins at 5 pm. Graduation Procession begins promptly at 6 pm.
  • Location: Graduation Courtyard

Post-Graduation Celebration

  • Join us in the Main Gallery for a celebration immediately following the graduation ceremony. Light refreshments will be served and live musical entertainment will accompany the festivities.

Livestream

CalArts' Commencement will be livestreamed on this page beginning at 5 pm PT on May 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

In mid-May it's usually hot and sunny during the day, but cold when the sun goes down. Dress in layers and bring sunscreen.

When you enter the main campus gate, you’ll find parking lots available nearby. There will also be drop-off locations and shuttles for those needing accommodations.. If you're staying near campus, we encourage you to use a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft.

Light refreshments will be served at the President’s Reception from 4 to 5:30 pm. Food will be available for purchase at Tatum Lounge in the main building until 6 pm.

There will be chairs set up for attendees on a first-come first-served basis. If seats run out, guests can sit in the grassy knolls overlooking the Graduation Courtyard. Blankets, low-back lawnchairs and picnics are allowed. Blankets will also be for sale at the pop-up CalArts store. 

Tickets are not required for CalArts Graduation. Graduates are encouraged to invite their friends and family to celebrate their achievement.

Think of graduation as an outdoor party that feels like you're attending a fun concert in the park. 

CalArts does not require a cap and gown for graduation.

Yes! The CalArts Store will have a pop-up location at Graduation, and flowers are available for pre-order and on site. See the Travel & Planning Resources page for details.

Accommodations for graduates and guests with disabilities will be available for the CalArts Graduation Ceremony. Visit the Travel & Planning Resources page for information on services including closed-captioned live-stream video, accessible parking, and shuttles.

  • Golf cart assistance will be provided
  • Wheelchairs will NOT be provided

See the Travel & Planning Resources page for recommendation from CalArts’ Office of International Student Services and Program.

Contact

For any other questions, please contact the Graduation Production team at graduation@calarts.edu.