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Carnegie Mellon University

Seeding Change

This moment at the College of Fine Arts is about change, and energy, and the energy of change.

It’s about the influence and impact of our work moving outward from the center, testing itself in the world through what our faculty, staff, students and alumni create.

It’s about fearlessly questioning that which has gone unquestioned for a very long time.

It’s about leaning on community and the momentum of community in overcoming inertia.

It’s about repeatedly and loudly asserting the critical importance of the arts as an insistent reminder of our shared humanity.

In this issue, you’ll find evidence of change within today’s CFA, as well as our impact externally thanks to alumni of all vintages who continue to surprise, delight, move — and change us.

Mary Ellen Poole | Dean Mary Ellen Poole

 Dandelion seed pods.

School of Architecture

Home Away From Home

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School of Art

Seeds of the Arctic

School of Design

PIA: A Connected Airport

School of Drama

Flower Power

School of Music

Artistic Alchemy

BXA Intercollege Degree Programs

Slaying Off-Broadway

Miller Institute for Contemporary Art

Impossible Music

Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry

Funding "LIVE! ART&&CODE"

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Angelica Perez-Johnston Joins CFA

Master of Arts Management

Raising LGBTQ+ Voices

Master of Entertainment Industry Management

The Next Chapter

Events

Architecture students working.

[ Architecture Event ]

Fall 2023 Public Programs: Revolutions

August 17 – November 10

Architects who "make the revolution irresistable." Artists and thinkers who challenge us to envision a multitude of approaches to making and being. Join us for lectures, discussions and film screenings.

Find more information about Public Programs

Why I give back: Christiane Noll alumni story.

Spotlight Features

Joanna Bosse

[ Music Spotlight ]

Future Focused

Welcoming Joanna Bosse as Interim Head, School of Music

magazine cover from 2023 spring.

Looking for a past version?

You can find past digital and print versions of the magazine, starting with our inaugural 2018 CFA 01 magazine in our CFA MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

Tell us what you think!

Let us know what you hoped to see — and what you liked! Email us at contact-cfa@cmu.edu

College of Fine Arts Magazine

Publisher: Mary Ellen Poole, Dean, CFA
Executive Editor: Pam Wigley
Editor: Cally Jamis Vennare
Editor & Digital Content Designer: Alexis Morrell
Design Director: Mark Werle
Designer: Rob Azarcon
Production Artist: Deborah Allen
Project Manager: Thomas Swiech
Animation: Adam Chizmar

Writers

Harrison Apple
Margaret Cox
Dan Green
Gabriella Lossia
Joe Lyons
Alexis Morrell
Shannon Musgrave
Lauren Stash
Emily Syes
Cally Jamis Vennare
Pamela Wigley

Design & Production

University Communications and Marketing

Photographers

Jenny Anderson
Beth Barbis
Crystal Hu
Kent Miles
Joan Marcus
Matthew Murphy
Seyl Park
Russ Rowland
Sean Salamon
Alexa Viscius
Paul Vladuhick
Pamela Wigley
Evan Zimmerman

CFA Leadership

CFA Dean: Mary Ellen Poole
School of Architecture Head: Omar Khan
School of Art Head: Charlie White
School of Design Head Interim: Eric Anderson
School of Drama Head: Robert Ramirez
School of Music Interim Head: Joanna Bosse
BXA Senior Associate Dean of Interdisciplinary Initiatives: M. Stephanie Murray
Miller ICA Director: Elizabeth Chodos
Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry Director: Nica Ross
MAM Program Director: Jessica Bowser Acrie
MEIM Program Director: Daniel Green