CCA Campuses

The Oakland Campus of California College of the Arts (CCA) offers a unique and intimate setting for students pursuing creative disciplines. Nestled in a historic residential neighborhood, this campus provides a quieter, more focused environment compared to its urban counterpart in San Francisco. It serves as a key location for foundational and specialized programs in art and design, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and personal growth.

• Ceramics: A program dedicated to the art and craft of pottery and sculptural ceramics, with access to kilns and workshops.
• Textiles: Exploring weaving, dyeing, and fabric design, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation.
• Jewelry/Metal Arts: Teaching the design and creation of wearable art and small-scale metalwork with an emphasis on craftsmanship.
• Painting and Drawing: Offering courses that develop technical skills and conceptual depth in visual expression.
• Photography: Providing training in both analog and digital photography, focusing on artistic and commercial applications.

The Oakland Campus is known for its historic architecture and lush, garden-like setting, which inspires creativity and reflection. Students benefit from small class sizes and close interaction with faculty, fostering a tight-knit community of artists. The campus houses specialized facilities such as darkrooms, weaving studios, and metalworking shops, ensuring students have the tools they need to experiment and refine their craft. Additionally, the Oakland location offers a connection to the East Bay’s vibrant arts scene, with opportunities to engage in local exhibitions and community projects. This campus is ideal for students seeking a supportive and immersive environment to develop their artistic voice while still being close to the cultural dynamism of the Bay Area.

The San Francisco Campus of California College of the Arts (CCA) is a vibrant hub for creative education, located in the heart of a city known for its innovation and artistic heritage. This campus primarily focuses on a wide array of art and design programs that cater to aspiring artists, designers, and creative thinkers. Students here are immersed in an environment that fosters experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Fine Arts: Including painting, sculpture, and printmaking, encouraging students to explore traditional and contemporary artistic practices.
• Graphic Design: Focused on visual communication, branding, and digital media, preparing students for careers in design industries.
• Architecture: Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize sustainable design and innovative building techniques.
• Illustration: Teaching narrative and conceptual skills for storytelling through visual art, applicable in publishing and media.
• Film: Providing hands-on experience in filmmaking, from scriptwriting to post-production, with access to cutting-edge technology.

The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces, allowing students to bring their creative visions to life. The curriculum is designed to integrate critical thinking with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the competitive creative industries. Additionally, the San Francisco location offers unparalleled access to cultural institutions, galleries, and tech companies, providing students with internship and networking opportunities. The campus also emphasizes community engagement, encouraging students to participate in public art projects and collaborative initiatives that impact the local area. With a diverse student body and faculty of practicing artists and designers, the San Francisco Campus is a dynamic place to pursue a creative education.