Reimagining the Future of Arts Education
Strategic Planning & Social Impact Strategy
Founded by Walt Disney in 1961, CalArts is one of the most pioneering institutions of higher education in the arts—a place where animators, actors, musicians, dancers, directors, writers, painters, and designers could all coexist under one roof. This multidisciplinary community of artists forms the DNA of CalArts, and would also come to form the heart of CalArts’ future growth and impact.
Along with her team at LaPlaca Cohen, Diane led a multi-year participatory strategy process that mobilized CalArts’ students, faculty, staff, board, parents, alums, local community, and global field leaders to imagine a new future for higher education in the arts. Everything was on the table to be redesigned, from the affordability of arts education and underlying business model of the university to the pipeline programs and community partnerships the school could provide.
The process culminated with the development of new mission, vision and values statements, an Opportunity Assessment that outlined future growth and impact pathways, as well as a Strategic Framework which defined CalArts’ guiding pillars of impact as well as its goals and objectives for the next 5-10 years.
Experience the public-facing Strategic Framework here.