The Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) at UC Santa Cruz is the Central Coast’s premier university art and research center, dedicated to exploring the intersections of art, science, and social justice. Through groundbreaking exhibitions, public programs, and social justice initiatives, the IAS uses art as a catalyst for education and change—creatively engaging students and the broader community in urgent conversations about the world we share.
Located in the city of Santa Cruz, the IAS features state-of-the-art galleries, a screening room for curated programs of short and experimental films, and an event space that hosts performances, talks, and lectures. These spaces serve as a vital hub for UC Santa Cruz and the region, bringing nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and projects that enrich the cultural and intellectual life of the community.
Founded in 2014 to expand the visual arts offerings at UC Santa Cruz, the Institute has built a national reputation for its multidisciplinary programming and commitment to equity through the arts. Under the leadership of Director and Chief Curator Rachel Nelson, the IAS reached a major milestone in 2023 with the opening of the university’s first professional, climate-controlled galleries in downtown Santa Cruz—realizing a long-envisioned goal of creating a dynamic home for art, research, and dialogue.
