National Animation Museum and CalArts Launch Collaborative Partnership

Burbank, CA – February 28, 2026 – The National Animation Museum (NAM) and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) have announced a new collaboration designed to explore the future of animation through joint initiatives in education, programming, and industry engagement. The partnership, formally announced in January, aims to bridge the gap between artistic experimentation and public engagement with animation.

A Synergistic Approach to Animation Education and Engagement

The collaboration will connect CalArts’ established legacy of artist-driven experimentation with the National Animation Museum’s focus on storytelling, exhibitions, and immersive experiences. According to a press release, the institutions will evaluate opportunities to create new models for how animation is taught, experienced, and shared with the public.

Potential Collaborative Initiatives

Potential areas of collaboration include:

• Co-developed programs and exhibitions
• Student-led initiatives
• Research and creative exchange
• Public-facing experiences reflecting the evolving landscape of animation

Industry Leaders Weigh In

“Animation is at a pivotal moment—technologically, creatively, and culturally,” said Eddie Newquist, CEO and Founder of the National Animation Museum. “Partnering with CalArts allows us to explore how education, experimentation, and public storytelling can come together in meaningful new ways. This collaboration is about creating pathways for artists and audiences to engage with where animation has been, and where it’s going next.”

Ravi Rajan, President of CalArts, added, “CalArts has long been a place where artists are encouraged to challenge conventions and imagine what’s possible. Collaborating with the National Animation Museum creates an opportunity to extend that spirit beyond the classroom, connecting our students and faculty with new audiences and contexts for animation as a living, evolving art form.”

Expanding the Network of Collaboration

CalArts joins a growing list of organizations partnering with the National Animation Museum during its planning phase. These include The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, IndieCade, MinaLima (the graphic design team behind the Harry Potter films), and Param Science Experience Centre. SCVNews.com reports that these partnerships are intended to foster innovation, education, and public engagement in animation.

About the National Animation Museum

The National Animation Museum is a 501(c)(3) California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to developing virtual and physical educational experiences. Its mission is to inform, inspire, and ignite passion for the art and science of animation in current and future generations. More information can be found at nationalanimationmuseum.org or on social media @NationalAnimationMuseum.

About the California Institute of the Arts

Founded in 1961 by Walt and Roy O. Disney, the California Institute of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution of higher education located in Valencia, California. CalArts offers residential undergraduate and graduate degrees in visual and performing arts and provides comprehensive programs across visual, performing, media, and literary arts through its six schools. Further details are available at calarts.edu.