Dance teacher dressed in traditional Indian wear leading students through a routine
Connecting the Claire Trevor School of the Arts with our Community.

The mission of Access & Engagement at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts (CTSA) is to connect CTSA with the community in ways that transform lives.

Through several articulated programs, we provide professional development for CTSA students, support the creative community in Orange County, and cultivate the next generation of creative leaders. As collaborators with faculty, staff, and students, we develop projects and partnerships that engage with our community, both internal and external to the university. We are dedicated to cultivating creative experiences that empower people to thrive within and beyond our communities. We use the arts as a catalyst for change; mentoring and supporting people with intention so that that change is generational and systemic. We provide access and engagement to productions, exhibitions, and programs through safe, inclusive, valuable experiences. We are committed to building support in communities that are historically excluded from the arts and higher education. We develop meaningful experiences for our students to find their way in the creative sector.

Our Access & Engagement work is generously supported by the Steven M. Sorenson Foundation, Orange County Department of Education, Pacific Life Foundation, Farmers & Merchants Bank Foundation, and the Richard B. Siegel Foundation.

Browse our current programs and other opportunities for collaboration below.

 

Smiling student passing snare drum to smiling staff person.

The Arts Launch Internship Program offers academic year-long, paid professional development internships that allow UCI Arts students to explore career and professional pathways in the creative sector. Applications for 2026-27 open in April!

Close up of woman covered in colorful artistic face paint

Enrolling now! Develop the tools you need to effectively teach your artistic discipline in a wide range of educational and community settings in accessible, engaging, and culturally responsive ways. Whether you’re an established artist looking to expand your professional opportunities or a student seeking to build instructional skills, this program equips you with the pedagogical tools, inclusive teaching strategies, and practical frameworks needed to translate your artistic practice into meaningful learning experiences.

Intern conducting a high school orchestra

Creative Connections provides teaching artist internships to UCI Arts majors who develop and implement curriculum-based arts projects in collaboration with Orange County area educators to serve K12 students. Applications for 2026-27 open in April!

Two groups of young performers singing on a stage

Give today! Support CTSA's Access & Engagement work and join us in further enriching lives through the arts!