UCLA School of the Arts & Architecture Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise for UCLA’s School of Arts and Architecture (UCLA Arts) on March 3, 2025 expressed a range of hopes and aspirations regarding the future of the arts at UCLA. Some speakers focused on the topic of funding and asked about strategies to secure financial support for the arts and for general arts education at UCLA. One speaker discussed how UCLA Arts fits into LA’s arts ecosystem and the special place of UCLA’s arts offerings within the UC system. Another speaker voiced concern about the impact of national and international political trends on the core values of higher education, including free speech, academic freedom, and inclusion. Speakers raised concerns about the university’s handling of student protests in the spring of 2024, emphasizing the importance of protecting free speech rights. Additionally, one speaker inquired about the plans for UCLA’s downtown building, expressing concerns regarding funding for proposed projects and centers within that space. Federal immigration policies were also a point of discussion, and one speaker asked for clarity regarding the safety and protection of faculty, staff, and students who may be impacted by policy changes.

Themes

• Immigration: A speaker raised concerns about the impact of federal immigration policies on the UCLA community.
• Physical Infrastructure: Questions were brought up about the allocation of funds for capital expenditures, specifically regarding UCLA Downtown and funding for proposed programs and projects. 
• UC and Local/State Government: Discussions focused on the university’s relationships with the UC system, state government, and external civic partners, particularly in relation to potential challenges and opportunities. 
• Free Speech: A speaker raised concerns about the university’s stance on free speech and asked about the suspension of a student group and the handling of last spring’s protests. 
• Funding for the Arts: Given the importance of the arts to UCLA’s identity and mission, one speaker emphasized the need for sustainable funding for the arts in general. Another speaker expressed concern about aging facilities and budget constraints. 
• Importance of the Arts: Discussion focused on the notion that the arts are central to the UC system and its mission of teaching, research and public service. Discussions also explored the vital role of the arts in the broader state education system.
• Connection with Los Angeles: The ways in which UCLA Arts connects, collaborates and integrates with Los Angeles’ robust metropolitan arts scene were discussed.
• Institutional Vision: Speakers were interested in understanding the chancellor’s vision for the university and how the Listening Exercise would shape it. Speakers asked about the chancellor’s priorities and approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing UCLA Arts.
• Federal Policy Changes: Speakers raised concerns about the impact of federal policy changes on the core values of higher education, including free speech, academic freedom, federal funds availability, and diversity.