The California College of the Arts (CCA) in San Francisco has announced it will close by the conclusion of the 2026-2027 academic year. Following its closure, the campus will be acquired by Vanderbilt University. CCA President David C. Howse attributed the decision to ongoing financial difficulties, which include demographic changes and a persistent structural deficit, describing it as “a decisive act of stewardship.”
Despite the city’s abundance of millionaires and a significant number of billionaires, San Francisco is losing its oldest progressive art institution. The technology sector’s wealth has not translated into support for the arts, with current crypto magnates yet to champion cultural or expressive freedoms. The closure of CCA highlights the stark wealth disparities and a lack of investment in social infrastructure, issues exacerbated by the tech industry’s influence, which is closely tied to current political leadership in Washington, DC.
Across the nation, cuts to entities like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services have had a cascading effect, undermining initiatives countrywide. The recent dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting puts PBS and NPR at risk. These losses predominantly affect working-class individuals, children, veterans, and marginalized groups, while affluent individuals remain unaffected.
Although tech companies boast impressive private art collections, their lack of public advocacy is troubling. CCA, which will be 120 years old at its closure, has been a pivotal figure in art and American history. Shalini Agrawal, a former CCA director and professor, reflects on the institution’s legacy of fostering progressive artists and thinkers. She hopes this closure might spark new grassroots initiatives, reminiscent of past successful movements.
Chris Johnson, an esteemed artist and Professor Emeritus retiring after 48 years at CCA, expressed his sentiments on social media, highlighting the impact of the college’s closure on art education in Northern California. While the absence of CCA marks a significant cultural loss, the community’s resilience and commitment to grassroots change offer a glimmer of hope. The fight for democratic values continues, with artists and educators remaining steadfast in their belief in a brighter future. Si se puede, indeed.
