A new era for Fine Arts education: UNM set to break ground on landmark Center for Collaborative Arts & Technology

The University of New Mexico is set to embark on an innovative journey with the groundbreaking of the Center for Collaborative Arts & Technology (CCAT) on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), this new 60,000 square-foot facility for the UNM College of Fine Arts (CFA), CCAT will serve as a central hub for innovation, creativity, and collaboration-where every student is exposed to fine arts and technology's most creative and imaginative applications.

"The University has always been both a catalyst for and a pathway to New Mexico's vibrant artistic culture," said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes about the significance of CCAT. "This unique facility will enrich our relationships with our state's cultural communities and business sector partners to spur creative and economic growth that is fundamental to the mission of UNM and vital to the growth of the State of New Mexico."

Located on the southeast corner of Stanford Drive and Central Avenue-a major corridor and leg of the historic U.S. Route 66, the facility will act as a new arts gateway into The University of New Mexico.

"The building is organized around a super lobby at the second level, with elevated panoramic views of Route 66 and the Sandia Mountains," described Architect and DS+R Partner Benjamin Gilmartin about one of CCAT's most dramatic features. "This horizontal slice in the building's materiality welcomes visitors into the heart of the building while creating space for teaching, performance, exhibitions and research."

"The University has always been both a catalyst for and a pathway to New Mexico's vibrant artistic culture. This unique facility will enrich our relationships with our state's cultural communities and business sector partners to spur creative and economic growth that is fundamental to the mission of UNM and vital to the growth of the State of New Mexico."

- UNM President Garnett S. Stokes

With state-of-the-art spaces, rehearsal rooms, a 600-seat multi-purpose performance hall, and dynamic collaborative workspaces, CCAT aligns with the College of Fine Arts' Framework Plan and the vision of a space where ideas flow freely across disciplines, nurturing a critical and creative workforce. The new facility is funded by general obligation bonds approved by New Mexico's voters in 2022, along with funding from institutional bonds.

"With the completion of CCAT and the support it will offer to our various programs, not only will it impact the learning, teaching and research for The University, but it will enable the College of Fine Arts at UNM to advance the state of New Mexico," said Harris Smith, dean of the College of Fine Arts.

"CCAT will impact students, staff, and faculty at UNM in many profound ways," said Michael Hix, chair of the Department of Music. "Adding a new state-of-the-art performance venue/concert hall will allow faculty and staff to fulfill our educational goals by providing students with the performance experiences they deserve. The space will promote even greater innovation and collaboration between faculty and students throughout the College of Fine Arts."

Once complete, CCAT is expected to energize Central Avenue with its lively artistic presence and be a point of pride for the entire UNM community. Students, staff, faculty, and visitors can anticipate a space where artistic talents are cultivated and celebrated, setting the stage for the next generation of groundbreaking works and creative possibilities.

"The Center for Collaborative Arts & Technology will stand as a symbol of what can be achieved when we invest in higher education and in the future of our students," said Shawna Wolfe, vice president for UNM Institutional Support Services. "We are eager to see the impact this facility will have, both on our campus and across New Mexico."

UNM will host the official groundbreaking ceremony for CCAT on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the current-day A parking lot on Stanford Drive. The event, which includes performances by a brass quintet, percussion ensemble, and Mariachi group, will feature speeches from Dean Smith, President Stokes, and other honored guests, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking. A private reception for invitees will follow at the Tamarind Institute.

Top photo caption: CCAT SW View, Courtesy of DS+R

About UNM College of Fine Arts
The UNM College of Fine Arts fosters a vibrant and diverse artistic community, offering a comprehensive education in visual arts, music, theater, dance, and cinematic arts. The college emphasizes creative exploration, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students to become leaders in their respective fields. With a commitment to cultural and artistic diversity, the College of Fine Arts provides students with the resources and opportunities to engage with local, national, and global.

About UNM Facilities Design & Construction
UNM Facilities Design & Construction is dedicated to creating and enhancing the campus environment through sustainable and innovative building practices. Responsible for the design and construction of university facilities, the department works to create functional and safe spaces that support the mission of UNM. With a focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and collaboration, the Facilities Design & Construction team ensures that The University's infrastructure meets the evolving needs of its students, faculty, staff, and community. For more information, visit Facilities Design & Construction.

About Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) is an interdisciplinary design studio that works at the intersection of urbanism, architecture, the performing arts, and the visual arts. DS+R is led by four partners-Elizabeth Diller, Ricardo Scofidio, Charles Renfro, and Benjamin Gilmartin-who work collaboratively with a staff of more than 100 architects, designers, artists, and researchers to realize projects globally. Founded in 1981, DS+R tackles complex architectural work at all scales, with a particular emphasis on ambitious cultural, educational, and civic projects. DS+R has completed a number of significant urban scale and institutional projects in New York City, including the transformation of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the High Line, The Shed, the renovation and expansion of MoMA, and two academic spaces for Columbia University-the Vagelos Medical Education Center and the Columbia Business School. DS+R's built institutional works include the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, The Broad in Los Angeles, and the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Their design for the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum has been heralded as one of the most accessible museums in the world. DS+R has also built academic spaces for some of the most prestigious educational institutions including: the McMurtry Art and Art History Building at Stanford University, the Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago, the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts at Brown University, the Metropolitan Warehouse currently under construction at MIT, and facilities in both New York and Tianjin, China for The Juilliard School, the world leading performing arts conservatory. For more information, visit ​Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R).

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