Join a vibrant art community, in the midst of an inspiring outdoor paradise
Art is not just important to us here at UNM, it’s part of us. We teach it, create it, and embrace it. It shapes our identity and even drives our economy.
Whether it’s cast or woven, printed or painted, disruptive, experimental, theoretical or visionary, we have an insatiable love and deep respect for the artist and their practice—and if you do too, we should really talk.
Art
Focusing on traditional and avant-garde studio art practice, art history, and art education, The Department of Art provides an environment where creativity and intellectual discourse can flourish
Music
As the only music program in the state to have dedicated performance faculty-artists to teach every instrument or voice, the Department of Music strives to develop the complete musician
Theatre & Dance
The Department of Theatre and Dance cultivates critical thinking and analysis, providing a broad, liberal arts education in the related performing arts of Dance, Theatre, and Design for Performance
Cinematic Arts
Dedicated to the study and practice of film and video as art, Cinematic Arts develops the necessary skills to succeed as a moviemaker, screenwriter, video game designer, film historian, or experimental arts practitioner.
“The first step – especially for young people with energy and drive and talent, but not money – the first step to controlling your world is to control your culture. To model and demonstrate the kind of world you demand to live in. To write the books. Make the music. Shoot the films. Paint the art.”
—Chuck Palahniuk
Dean’s Travel Grant Awards
UNM’s College of Fine Arts Dean's Office is pleased to announce once again the availability of travel grants to select CFA students. Launched in 2013, the CFA Dean’s Travel Grant Award program has been able to send over 200 students to study and perform around the...
Because It’s Time: Unraveling Race and Place in NM
Because It’s Time: Unraveling Race and Place in NM examines race and identity in New Mexico and is a space for artistic expression that grapples with the complexities of who we are, how we are understood, and how that impacts the way we live (or don’t) in a variety of places.
UNM professors take the stage in Granada
Their performance, Nueva Música de Nuevo México, will connect new music from New Mexico with an international audience, and bring selected John Donald Robb Field Recordings of historical New Mexican folk music back to Spain as part of the world premiere of a new composition.
Experience The Arts!
In addition to our scholarly pursuits, the College of Fine Arts is also a dynamic visual & performing arts center for the burgeoning arts community of Albuquerque.
Produced by our creative students and faculty, the College of Fine Arts proudly presents over 300 public performances, exhibitions, installations & art discussions annually.
CFA by the Numbers
• Top 5 in the nation in Photography
• The only place in the US to earn a concentration in Flamenco
• The only college at UNM with a fund dedicated to study abroad
• 64% of CFA grads find jobs before or within 4 months of graduation
• 100% Music Education job placement
• Best American cities for creatives – Thrillist
• Best places to live and work as a moviemaker – Movie Maker
• Diverse culture – 94% of students had a conversation with people different from themselves
• The top state for fine artists
• The #3 State for actors
• The #15 State for Musicians
—NEA Ranks
Undergraduate Degrees
Full-Time Faculty
%
of Students Receive Financial Aid
Days of Sunshine Per Year
A Message From The Dean
“My own vision for the College of Fine Arts is centered in the Pedagogy of Engagement: where fine and performing artist faculty come together with students and the community to re-imagine the function and focus of the Arts. This imagining allows us to offer and support an interdisciplinary approach to program design, teaching and learning spaces. It also holds everyone in the college accountable for upholding equity in our classrooms. Interdisciplinary arts curricula provide students the opportunity to engage with knowledge drawn from multiple disciplines, perspectives and skill sets. Armed with a broad portfolio of skills and cultural understanding our students and faculty will become a definitive force in changing the equation of arts making, performance and research in 21st century cultural and artistic life.”
—Regina Carlow, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the College of Fine Arts
Contact the College of Fine Arts
How to Apply
• All students must be admitted to the University, whether as an incoming freshman, transfer student, or non-degree student. Apply online through the Admissions Department at UNM
•After meeting all CFA admission requirements, students must apply to become a declared major.
Academic Advisement
The College of Fine Arts Student Success & Advisement Center is committed to serve the UNM community with compassion, guidance, and respect as we promote academic excellence.
To speak with a CFA advisor, please call (505) 277-4817.