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San Francisco is ranked number one as the most arts-vibrant city in the U.S.

January 30, 2025

According to the SMU DataArts, San Francisco is ranked number one as the most arts-vibrant community of 2024. The vibrancy assessment examines metrics covering supply, demand, and public support for arts and culture.

The opening reception of STEADY at the Wattis Institute.

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View of downtown San Francisco from Delores Park.

Three reasons why San Francisco is the best city for art students

Why go to art school in San Francisco? Location matters. In San Francisco, art and industry are everywhere, and opportunities abound.

Portrait of Maria A. Guzmán Capron in her studio with her artworks, from left to right, Duo and Siempre, both 2021.

Artsy recognizes alum Maria Guzmán Capron as one of the most promising artists working today

Artsy Vanguard annually features rising talents around the globe, and the 2022 list highlights Capron's (MFA Fine Arts 2015) “exuberant, otherworldly figures.”

Image of CCA San Fransisco Campus backlot at dusk.

California College of the Arts named one of the nation’s top graduate schools for fine arts by U.S. News & World Report

The 2020 rankings, which assessed 227 MFA-granting colleges and universities across the country, lists CCA 10th overall.