The Nave is the center of campus, a gathering space surrounded by most of our shops, studios, and labs. As you head to class, you’ll pass by critiques from all programs, see pop-up exhibitions, and run into friends. This ever-changing place is what we’re all about.
📍1111 8th St., ground level
The Nave
Media Gallery
Welcome to the Nave
360° view of The Nave and Nave Presentation Space | California College of the Arts
CCA values
An endless moodboard
A community space
Pop-up critiques and exhibitions
❤️ CCA values
More than 100 years ago, CCA was founded to radically impact the world through art, design, theory, and practice. We’re still all about it. Our community makes art that matters through interdisciplinary work exploring topics like equity, environmentalism, social justice, and sustainability. In the Nave, you’ll see this mission come to life every day—on the walls, in the classroom, through events, lectures, and more.
💡 An endless moodboard
Anyone can walk through the long, open atrium to check out what students are working on. Here, students are continually exposed to each others’ work across disciplines, fostering a strong culture of community and inspiration.
🤝 A community space
The Nave is the heart of student life, where events like Chimerapalooza and student club fairs are held. The long, flexible space can be transformed into a fashion show runway, a pop-up exhibition, or for gathering opportunities like the annual Career Expo or National Portfolio Day.
Land Acknowledgment
CCA is situated on the unceded lands of the Ohlone peoples.
👀 Pop-up critiques and exhibitions
CCA’s open critique culture is on full view in the Nave, where programs across the college display and review work. The walls are moveable, so students and classes can set up the space for critiques, events, performances, and more.
Exhibition opportunities
The Exhibitions and Public Programming team makes exhibitions happen in spaces across campus, including large-scale installations, senior shows, and other presentations.
