FOCA is an invitation-only membership organization that provides convivial settings throughout the year for relaxed events and engaged conversations about the arts--both with fellow members and with distinguished guest artists who represent a wide range of interests and diverse points of view.

FOCA gatherings also draw upon the expertise of CalArts faculty and on the vast network of alumni in the visual, performing and media arts. FOCA events and conversations help its members become knowledgeable advocates of the Institute. The organization's dues are assigned, in their entirety, to the support of scholarships for CalArts students.

Annual membership dues in FOCA are used entirely to support scholarships for students, enabling talented young artists to attend CalArts. Since its inception in 1990, FOCA members have raised over $1 million, making it possible for dozens of gifted students to study with a faculty of professional artist-mentors who are internationally recognized in their fields.

  "FOCA members' annual gifts are an important investment in our cultural future, making it
  possible for some of the nation's most promising young artists to attend CalArts. Many of
  these gifted students could not continue their education without the financial help from
  FOCA."

Janet Dreisen
Founding Co-chair of FOCA
CalArts Trustee

FOCA Events:

Special events planned throughout the year are held in private homes or major arts venues. FOCA events have included evenings with architect Frank Gehry, dramatist James Lapine, conceptual artist John Baldessari, choreographer Jacques Heim, and award-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Panel discussions have addressed topics such as "The Future of Entertainment in an Online World", with Gordon Crawford, Sky Dayton and Jonathan Dolgen, and the interaction between directors and actors, featuring James Mangold, Jim Hart and Edward James Olmos.

FOCA Member Benefits

  • Three special events each year
  • Subscription to Happenings magazine, with news and feature stories and an event calendar published three times a year
  • Special invitations to performances and exhibitions at CalArts and REDCAT
  • The CalArts annual Jazz CD

Annual Contributions
Tax-deductible membership dues are $2000 per year

2006 FOCA season sponsored by UBS Wealth Management, AG

To become a member, please mail your $2000 gift payable to CalArts, or for more information contact

Maria Robinson Glover
Manager, Annual Giving Programs
tel 661 253-7867
fax 661 291-3013
foca@calarts.edu

Friends of CalArts (FOCA)
California Institute of the Arts
24700 McBean Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355-2397