The College of Fine Arts’ Framework Plan
The CFA Framework planning process began in June 2021 and was completed in December 2021. The CFA Framework Plan is an integrated physical and strategic 10-year plan prepared for the purposes of:
- Identifying, prioritizing, and making the case for capital projects that will meet the needs of the CFA’s immediate and long-term growth.
- Engaging with the local and regional community to understand and address how the CFA can best support and serve its needs.
- Telling the story of the CFA to attract opportunities that expand, strengthen, and create new strategic private, public. and non-profit partnerships that advance the operational and financial sustainability of the CFA.
The plan will guide the College’s vision and growth over the next ten years.
The Planning Process
The planning process involved engagement meetings and interviews with CFA faculty, staff, students, leadership, and community of partners as well as the State of the CFA Survey that was conducted to get the entire CFA community’s input in early 2021. The first round of meetings took place in June, followed by in-person engagement sessions in September, and virtual engagement sessions to review the draft plan in November. The engagement process is summarized in the CFA Framework Plan’s Engagement Process section (which starts on page 36 of Section II).
Thank you to everyone who participated in this planning effort!
The Plan Contents
The Framework Plan is broken into two documents:
Section I: Executive Summary
- The Case for the Arts
- The Vision for the Goals
- The Vision for the Facilities
- The Center For Collaborative Arts and Technology
For a high-level view of the CFA Framework Plan, click here to view or download the Executive Summary
Section II: Framework Plan Recommendations and Process
- CFA Planning Scope
- CFA Departments Overview
- Engagement Process
- Framework Plan Recommendations
Section III: Facilities Assessment
- Facilities Needs and Desires
- Methodology & Building Scores
- Utilities Audit & Performance
- Individual Facility Plan Summaries
Section IV: Facilities Scenario Planning
- Establishing Goals
- Scenario Options & Process
- Dependencies & Full Sequence
- Key Takeaways
- Forthcoming Studies
Note: These documents have been set up to be viewed as a 2-page spread to simulate how you’d read a book; to view them correctly select “Single page view” in your pdf viewer.
CFA Strategic Plan
CFA is currently undergoing a strategic planning effort with CFA leadership, faculty, and staff. The Strategic Plan will be completed in 2022. Please stay tuned.
Art History Professor, Ray Hernández-Durán, Named Regents’ Professor
Ray Hernández-Durán, professor of art history in UNM’s Department of Art & Art History in the College of Fine Arts, has been named a Regents’ Professor, a distinguished and lifelong honor recognizing senior faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, and community impact. The title is awarded following a rigorous review process led by the College Dean in collaboration with the Provost’s Office and includes a three-year stipend to support the recipient’s work.
UNM Dance Blends Styles in “Highways and Heartbeats” Faculty Concert
Highways and Heartbeats brings together contemporary, flamenco, and hip-hop in a powerful evening of collaboration and artistic growth. Featuring guest artist Ana “Rokafella” Garcia and an inspiring lineup of choreographers, this year’s UNM Faculty Dance Concert celebrates connection, community, and the evolution of movement across styles.
MFA in Dramatic Writing Students Present New Plays
The UNM Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present the Linnell Festival of New
Plays Spring Reading Series February 12th through February 14th in the Experimental Theatre.
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.
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.





