About UCI Arts

Where Creativity Inspires Change

A vibrant home for art, dance, drama, and music—where future artists, visionary scholars, and the community come together.

Proven Success

UCI Arts Facts & Figures

Why study at Claire Trevor School of the Arts? At a leading R1 research university, UCI Arts drives innovation through creative practice and scholarly inquiry, where artists and researchers work across disciplines to generate new knowledge and cultural impact.

No. 1
Affordable Arts, Drama/Theater and Music Degrees

— College Affordability Guide, 2022

No. 9
Top Public Schools

— US News & World Report, 2026

No. 4
Best Schools for Visual & Performing Arts in California

— College Factual, 2023

No. 4
Best Value Colleges

— Princeton Review, 2025

A Message From The Dean

A heartfelt welcome to the Claire Trevor School of the Arts! As a first-generation Latinx student raised in Southern California and a proud UC alum, I’m honored to lead a school rooted in creativity, collaboration, and community.

What drew me to UCI Arts is our shared commitment to authenticity, experimentation, and social impact. We are proud to be part of a nationally recognized research university and a Hispanic- and minority-serving institution. Our students, many of whom are first-generation college students, bring bold ideas and unique stories that fuel our creative mission.

UCI Arts is a space where artists become leaders—empowered with confidence in their vision, and clarity in the stories they are here to tell. I invite you to engage with us through performances, exhibitions, or our impact partnerships. We’re building a brilliant future, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Read the Full Welcome Message from the Dean

Take a Look

Welcome to UCI Arts

View a short video which highlights the mission and vision for our school.

Four Departments. One Vision.

Who We Are

The Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine unites four departments—Art, Dance, Drama, and Music—into a single, collaborative arts school. We’re home to over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students and present more than 150 performances, exhibitions, and workshops each year.

As the only UC school with all four disciplines under one roof, UCI Arts encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, double majors, and cross-campus partnerships. Students engage with cutting-edge technology, inclusive practices, and academic rigor to prepare for thriving careers in the arts and beyond.

Art department abstract image

Art

Where ideas take form. Explore contemporary studio practices, digital media, and critical theory in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.


Physical Graffiti

Dance

Train in performance, choreography, and research. Our program blends tradition with experimentation to shape the next generation of movement artists.

Drama department

Drama

From acting and design to directing and playwriting—develop your craft on stage and behind the scenes in a nationally recognized program.


A UCI vocal soloist performs at the front of the stage while choir members sing behind him on risers during a concert performance.

Music

Study performance, composition, technology, and musicology in a school that values both classical training and innovation.


Empowering Artists. Enriching Communities.

Located in the heart of Southern California’s cultural landscape, UCI Arts partners with leading arts organizations to offer students meaningful professional experiences, ranging from internships to industry mentorships.

UCI Arts’ Access & Engagement programs, performances and community events provide opportunities for students to engage the public while making the arts accessible to all.

students working together

Inspired by Claire Trevor. Led by Visionaries.

The Claire Trevor School of the Arts, named in honor of the Oscar- and Emmy-winning actor, carries forward a legacy of excellence, boldness, and creative leadership. Our world-class faculty are active artists, performers, and scholars who mentor students to think critically, create boldly, and lead with purpose. UCI Arts alumni go on to shape the creative industries and contribute meaningfully across sectors, proving that an arts education can be a foundation for impact anywhere.

music conductors

Explore More About UCI Arts

Get to know our people, programs, and creative spaces. Dive deeper into the work that shapes the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts.

Tiffany Lopez CTSA Dean
Meet The Dean

Dr. Tiffany Ana López shares her vision for leading UCI Arts and empowering students and faculty through the arts.

Read the Dean's Message
Claire Trevor
About Claire Trevor

Learn about our namesake, a legendary actress, philanthropist, and longtime OC resident.

Who Was Claire Trevor?
CTSA Venue
Venues & Directions

Get directions to our galleries, theaters, classrooms, and labs.

Campus Map
CTSA Art Gallery
Galleries

Tour the University Art Galleries, all within walking distance on campus.

Visit Our Galleries
CTSA Staff
Faculty & Staff Directory

Find contact information for our departments, leadership, and staff.

Search Directory
decorative image of flowers
Faculty & Staff Intranet

Internal tools and resources for UCI Arts employees (UCINetID required).

Access Intranet

Ready to Get Involved?

Students sitting together outside
Explore Programs & Apply
Prospective Students

Discover undergraduate and graduate programs that blend creative freedom with academic rigor. Learn how to apply, audition, and join our vibrant artistic community.

Explore Academics
Arts donation luncheon
Make a Gift, Make an Impact
Support the Arts

Your support empowers student artists, funds public programming, and advances innovation in the arts. Learn how to give and become a part of our story.


Donate to UCI Arts
UCI Concert
Experience the Arts at UCI
Attend an Event

From concerts and plays to exhibitions and talks—join us for events that celebrate student and faculty creativity year-round.


View Calendar