Of Interest
People's Inauguration
July 7, 2025
Springing into a new season of music
April 15, 2025
While there are performances every quarter, spring represents the culmination of a year of labor and practice. It often offers more concert opportunities than other quarters and this year is no exception.
April in Santa Cruz highlights innovation and trans-cultural identities
April 11, 2025
An upcoming concert series organized by the University of California, Santa Cruz Music Department embodies the theme of trans-cultural identity through both experimental and traditional music.
Music meets motherhood in inspiring performance
April 4, 2025
Stephanie F. Valadez blended together her latin heritage with her experience in motherhood to compose a concert that embodies who she is. This free performance at the UC Santa Cruz Music Center Recital Hall, was organized by Valadez and Dr. Russell Rodriguez, an assistant professor of music.
Enchanting night of classical guitar with Connie Sheu
April 3, 2025
The Arts Division is welcoming Connie Sheu, an esteemed guitarist, to campus for a performance that is free and open to the public. The April 18 show will demonstrate Sheu’s deep commitment to the guitar’s rich tradition, and her dynamic approach to showcasing works from the classical repertoire.
Alumna Reyna Grande named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of the 21st Century
April 2, 2025
Grande’s memoir, 'A Dream Called Home', chronicles Grande’s journey to UC Santa Cruz and becoming a best-selling author
Artist Talk provides a deep dive into dance as rebellion
March 26, 2025
Many have seen the newest mural on campus, Danza a la Rebeldía (Dance as Rebellion), but now is the chance to learn more about it. On April 15 alumni muralists Irene Juarez-O’Connell and Victor Cervantes will join John Jota Leaños, a professor of Film and Digital Media and the assistant dean of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for the Arts Division, for a discussion about the work.
‘Find Your Path!’ opens doors for successful careers in the arts
March 24, 2025
Professionals in arts disciplines know there is always a way to make a living doing what you love, and the award-winning faculty and alumni from UC Santa Cruz are here to prove it. Find Your Path!, an annual event hosted by the Arts Division brings together professionals from a variety of fields for a two-day seminar that helps students learn about potential pathways to success.
New exhibition examines the messier side of life through art and environmental research
March 20, 2025
The annual Environment Art and Social Practice (EASP) Exhibition offers a glimpse into a world where art meets science. This year’s exhibition, opening on April 2 at the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery, embraces the theme Cobija de Tripas or Gut Blanket and tries to map the body through art and research, raising questions about how human, nonhuman and environmental bodies exist in a state of perpetual negotiation with cultural and ecological forces.
Jose Ramirez is helping one UC at a time
March 10, 2025
The University of California, Santa Cruz Arts Division is putting its mission into action with Art Matters, an upcoming event in Los Angeles that underscores the transformative power of the arts. The evening will bring together a dynamic mix of alumni, faculty, and supporters, including acclaimed Chicano artist José Ramírez. Ramírez, known for his vibrant and socially engaged work, has contributed a collection of prints for the silent auction and will take the stage as a featured speaker.
UC Santa Cruz astrophysicist explores the interconnectedness of art and science in 'Painting the Cosmos'
February 24, 2025
A new book by UC Santa Cruz astrophysicist and visual artist Nia Imara debuts tomorrow that explains the universe and traces how art has blended with science throughout human history.
Opera performance highlights Spanish music and Chicanx culture
February 21, 2025
Lecturer in Music Sheila Willey is bringing Spanish-language opera to the stage. The upcoming Opera and Zarzuela Scenes performance on March 13, 2025 at the Music Center Recital Hall on campus, will bring a wider cultural look at the artform from several Spanish-speaking countries.
Music Department showcases student excellence
February 21, 2025
Part of the University of California, Santa Cruz’s groundbreaking music education is ensuring students have a chance to perform. Throughout winter quarter, students have strived to perfect their sound and their work will culminate in a series of performances through February and March.
In Memoriam: Professor David Lee Cuthbert, Performance, Play and Design
February 13, 2025
David Lee Cuthbert, Professor of Performance, Play and Design (PPD), passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2025. Cuthbert was a dedicated educator and designer, serving as part of the Theater Arts faculty for 25 years. His passing is a profound loss for the Arts Division and for UC Santa Cruz.
‘Random with a Purpose’ mixes dance styles for individualized performances
February 10, 2025
Every year students lead the charge in creating a dance showcase: Random with a Purpose (RWAP), which runs from Feb. 28 – Mar. 9. This year’s director, senior Emily Pflieger, hopes to shock audiences through a wide array of genres and styles that capture individual experiences of each choreographer and dancer.
Recent UCSC alumni take over the SF MOMA
February 10, 2025
Several University of California, Santa Cruz Arts and Engineering students and alumni worked together on two separate projects which are part of the same exhibition at the SFMOMA. Annalivia Martin-Straw (Porter ‘23, Art) worked with her collaborator to create an immersive racing game, which up to five visitors can play at a time.
UC Santa Cruz alumna Gillian Welch wins Grammy for Best Folk Album
February 4, 2025
UC Santa Cruz alumna Gillian Welch (Porter ’90, fine arts) alongside her musical partner David Rawlings, clinched the Best Folk Album award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 2 for their album Woodland.
New research and art installation demonstrate the viability of using fog as a water source
February 3, 2025
In a state known for its droughts, where the southern half recently experienced devastating fires, understanding California’s natural water sources is more important than ever. Three University of California, Santa Cruz professors have teamed up to create a multipart scientific and artistic research study, Art+Fog as a collective,
The Institute of Arts and Science curates two revolutionary exhibitions
January 30, 2025
The Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) is starting the new year with two imaginative and heartfelt exhibitions exploring liberation and justice. EDELO and Our Bedrock, both of which run from Jan. 31 – April 20
Professor Patty Gallagher reimagines Comedy of Errors in a new era
January 23, 2025
Shakespeare is coming to the University of California, Santa Cruz. The upcoming February performances of Comedy of Errors at the Theater Arts eXperimental Theater embody comedy and heartfelt performances.
John Jota Leaños selected as new Interim Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the UC Santa Cruz Arts Division
January 21, 2025
The University of California, Santa Cruz brought on a new Interim Assistant Dean of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for the Arts Division. John Jota Leaños, a professor of Film and Digital Media (FDM) and Guggenheim Fellow, is a Mexican/Italian-American and Chumash-award winning interdisciplinary artist, documentarian, animator, and social art practitioner whose work engages the intersections of history, memory, and power through a social justice lens.
New exhibition explores Afrofuturism through a look at the past
January 17, 2025
The newest exhibition at the Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery explores African history and Afrofuturism through the art of current PhD candidate Aaron Samuel Mulenga. Ukupupuka: An Exploration of Transcendence integrates Mulenga’s doctoral dissertation research on World War I porters called TengaTenga with the concept of the Afronaut to explore concepts of mobility, transcendence and divinity.
Honoring UCSC’s 2024 Alumni Awards recipients
January 13, 2025
Six alumni were honored on Oct. 25 at the Alumni Awards Celebration dinner. Learn more about each recipient and watch their video feature.
Dean of Arts Celine Parreñas Shimizu’s newest work addresses sexuality and the importance of higher education and relationships between women in forging one’s power
January 13, 2025
Renowned filmmaker, film scholar, distinguished professor, and Dean of the Arts Division at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Celine Parreñas Shimizu will premiere her latest film at the 27th San Francisco’s Independent Film Festival on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Roxie Theater.
Campus secures funding for innovative research projects addressing climate action and linguistic diversity
December 17, 2024
Two cutting-edge research projects led by the University of California, Santa Cruz have been awarded funding through the University of California’s Multicampus Research Programs and Initiatives (MRPI). This underscores the university's leadership in advancing creative and impactful solutions to global challenges.
Award-winning independent filmmaker Trinh T. Minh-ha visits UC Santa Cruz
December 16, 2024
On Friday December 6th, 2024, University of California, Santa Cruz welcomed to campus the internationally acclaimed independent filmmaker, music composer and scholar Trinh T. Minh-ha for a screening of her 2022 documentary, What About China?.
Students Power Resurvey of UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves
December 18, 2019
Raising Awareness of ‘Deficit Thinking’
December 18, 2019
Bettina Aptheker to moderate panel on impact of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
May 16, 2019
The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz has joined forces with Bookshop Santa Cruz and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music to present 'My Own Words: The Law & Legacy of RBG'--a panel discussion and Community Read kickoff event in downtown Santa Cruz.
Summer Session at UCSC
April 9, 2018
Gary Young, Porter Faculty Member, Wins Poetry Award
July 11, 2017
Irwin 2016: May 25 – June 11 Sesnon Gallery
May 26, 2016
EXTRAV(M)AGANZA – Celebration of Student Work: 7:30 pm June 2
May 26, 2016
2016 Porter College Commencement: 9 am June 11
May 26, 2016
Queer Fashion Show 8 pm May 13-14
May 12, 2016
13th Annual Cesar Chavez Convocation 7 pm May 18
May 12, 2016
Irwin 2016 Sesnon Gallery May 25 – June 11
May 10, 2016
Gamelan Concert - Celebrating 40 Years at UCSC May 14
May 10, 2016
32nd UCSC Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation 7PM February 12
January 29, 2016
29th Annual Multicultural Career Conference
January 29, 2016
Porter Visiting Artist: Katerina Cizek - 7pm January 25
December 9, 2015
Collective Museum by Public Doors & Windows - Sesnon Gallery
December 9, 2015
Last Day of Freedom Film - Kresge Townhall 3:30pm Thursday 12/3
December 1, 2015
Utopian Dreaming: 50 years of Imagined Futures in California & UCSC Nov 6-7
November 3, 2015
Slug Parade and Expo October 25
October 1, 2015
Raymond Saunders: Black is a Color - Sesnon Gallery
September 28, 2015
An Uncommon Place: Shaping UCSC Campus - Sesnon Gallery April 8 - May 9
April 1, 2015
Doc/Undoc: The object itself carries within a crisis of identity: What is it exactly?
October 7, 2014
Porter College Hosts Ceremony for 94 Newly Naturalized U.S. Citizens
July 3, 2014
Santa Cruz Shakespeare 2014
July 3, 2014
UCSC Orientation 2014
July 3, 2014
Shakespeare Santa Cruz 2013 - The Last Huzzah
August 29, 2013
2013 Digital Arts & New MEDIA MFA Exhibition May 2-5
April 29, 2013
Dinner Parties: Art & Agriculture 4/10-5/11 Sesnon Gallery
April 8, 2013
Making the Insitute: 3 Conversations Friday April 26 - new interdisciplinary Institute of Arts & Sciences
April 8, 2013
Spring 2013 Slug Shuttle to/from San Jose Airport & Train Station
March 14, 2013
Porter Chalk Festival April 6-7
March 14, 2013
October 19, 2012
The Birth of a Poet: William Everson Centennial October 20
October 5, 2012
Lewis Watts: New Orleans Suite - Sesnon Gallery October 3-November 21
October 3, 2012
Lewis Watts: New Orleans Suite
Irwin Scholars 2012 Showcase at Sesnon Gallery May 23 - June 17
May 18, 2012
Reverend Billy: Occupy Earth & Justice 8:30pm Wednesday, May 23 Porter Dining Hall
May 17, 2012
Mark Adamo's "Little Women" Thursday May 31 to Sunday June 3
May 17, 2012
Slug Mascot Art by Marc Ratner on Display at Cowell
May 8, 2012
Shakespeare 2012 Festival Season July 24 - August 26
May 8, 2012
"Emerging Worlds" - Faculty Exhibition, Sesnon Gallery, April 11-May 5
April 26, 2012
Katerina Lanfranco: Sesnon Gallery "Natural Selection" Feb 1 - April 13
January 27, 2012
The Sesnon Gallery presents artist-in-residence and UCSC alumna, Katerina Lanfranco's new, large-scale, site-specific, hand-cut installation made in collaboration with UCSC students.
OpenLab Art + Astrophysics Exhibition Until October 26
October 21, 2011
OpenLab provides a unique opportunity for ART and SCIENCE discovery to work together in energetic and untapped explorations of research at the University of California Santa Cruz.
September 29, 2011
Sesnon Gallery: Xiaoze Xie's Resistant Archeology Exhibition October 12-November 23
September 29, 2011
This stunning exhibition of new larger-than-life paintings, prints and provocative video installation showcases Xiaoze Xie’s use of books and newspapers to symbolize the fragile nature of compressed history and memory.
Fall recreation, intramural sports guide now available online
September 21, 2011
Porter College Transfer & Frosh Combination Welcome Week Guide 2011
September 12, 2011
Porter College Transfer & Frosh Combination Welcome Week Guide 2011
Chip Lord: Public Spaces at Sesnon Gallery Feb. 2 - March 5
January 21, 2011
UCSC Professor Emeritus Chip Lord was trained as an architect and is a media artist who produces both single-channel films and video installations. As a founding member of the alternative architecture collective Ant Farm (1968-1978), Lord co-produced the video art classics Media Burn and The Eternal Frame and built the Cadillac Ranch roadside sculpture in Amarillo, Texas.
