The sunny spring day of Friday, May 10 saw a burst of sculptural flora sprouting on the stage of Graduation Courtyard at California Institute of the Arts. Designed around a botanical theme, the 2024 CalArts graduation heralded a celebration of growth and new beginnings for this year’s graduating class, many of whom began their CalArts journey during the pandemic.

The day’s festivities kicked off in the Main Entrance with performances by the CalArts Balinese Gamelan Ensemble and Balinese Dance, directed by School of Music faculty Nyoman Wenten and Nanik Wenten.

At 4 p.m., CalArtians and their guests gathered in the Main Gallery for the President’s Reception for Family and Friends with CalArts President Ravi Rajan, where they enjoyed an energetic performance by Danny Clvrk. Pre-ceremony festivities continued with a set of original songs by Janelle Leigh Stafford at Graduation Courtyard, which opened for seating at 5 p.m.

The annual procession of graduating students and Institute leadership, led by the African Music and Dance Ensemble, signaled the start of commencement.

Once students were seated, Tataviam Elder Dennis Garcia (Fernandeño Tataviam/Chumash) delivered the invocation and sang the traditional “Welcome Song” to the attendees.

The graduation program followed with addresses by Provost Tracie Costantino, Chair of the Board of Trustees Charmaine Jefferson, Student Union President Grace Hlavacek and CalArts President Ravi Rajan.

“As we move on to wherever this silly little world takes us next, I want to share a little reminder that CalArts is more than just these four-ish walls. The building behind us is just a space, CalArts is so much more than that,” said Hlavacek, who was accompanied by her dog Misty. She congratulated her peers and reminded them of the enduring ties of the CalArts community.

“Being a CalArtian and part of this community expands so much farther than we can begin to imagine as current students still sitting here today,” she said.

Rajan lauded the graduates for their conviction to pursue an “extraordinarily optimistic path,” particularly in a global society increasingly plagued by a resistance to critical thought and thoughtful discourse.

“As artists, you have the power to subvert the status quo with these models of the world,” said Rajan. “In doing this, you understand that you are creating art that requires discomfort. It requires bravery. It requires living your values. And sometimes, it involves failure. Failure is an essential part of an artist’s work, as essential as it is to continue to strive to succeed.”

CalArts alums and trustees Lyndon Barrois Sr. (Film/Video MFA 1995) and Ramsey Naito (Art MFA 1995) then joined the stage to announce the 2024 CalArts honorary degree recipients: film director, screenwriter and producer Gina Prince-Bythewood and actor, director and musician Keanu Reeves.

Reeves appeared in a video message from a film set to deliver his remarks to the graduates.

“So, life and art. Art and life. Life in art. Art in Life. Be of service. Be in service. Why? Because it is a good place for your heart, it keeps it open,” said Reeves. “And that is very good for art marking.”

The presentation of the 2024 graduates then began with the School of Film/Video, followed by the School of Critical Studies, The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance, the School of Theater, The Herb Alpert School of Music and concluded with the School of Art.

In accordance with CalArts tradition, each graduate selected 10-second audio snippets to play as they walked across the stage.

After the graduation ceremony ended the party continued into the evening as graduates and guests headed to the Main Gallery for a celebration reception, featuring performances by the African Music and Dance Ensemble and the CalArts Salsa Band, directed by Music faculty David Roitstein.

To view a video of the CalArts 2024 Graduation visit https://24700.calarts.edu/2024/05/13/scenes-from-calarts-graduation-2024/.