Framing a new future for the College of Fine Arts

The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently celebrated the new Center for Collaborative Arts & Technology (CCAT) facility with a beam-raising ceremony. A steel beam was painted white, signed by attendees, and installed the same day.

This ceremonial construction milestone marks the end phase of the structural framework for the CCAT building and will transition into the next stage of construction.

Hosted by the College of Fine Arts (CFA), UNM officials in attendance included:

• Barbara Rodruguez, interim provost
• Teresa Constantinidis, executive vice president, Finance & Administration
• Shawna Wolfe, vice president, Institutional Support Services
• Ellen Fisher, vice president, Research & Economic Development
• Pamela Cheek, vice president, Student Affairs
• Andrew Norton, ASUNM president
• Rosie Dudley, director, Campus Capitol & Space Planning

External representatives in attendance included:

• James Lucero, Roma Architecture
• Brian Talbot, Diller Scofidio & Rendro Architecture

"I love seeing the CCAT building come to life. This milestone is a reminder that the arts are at the heart of UNM and New Mexico. The new building will be a place where creativity and community come together, where our students and faculty can dream bigger, and where all of us can be inspired," said Teresa Constantinidis, UNM executive vice president for Finance and Administration, "It is exciting to know that this space will shape the next generation of artists and leaders, and it is a powerful example of how UNM is Advancing New Mexico."

CCAT will be a dynamic space for creativity, innovation, and collaboration among students, faculty, and the Albuquerque arts community. Designed to meet LEED Silver V.4 standards, the facility will include performance, exhibition, and rehearsal spaces, a concert hall, and flexible areas for collaboration. Located along Central Avenue, CCAT will bring new energy to campus, showcase the talents of UNM's CFA program, and strengthen New Mexico's creative economy.

"Just as this beam upholds the structure of our building, CCAT stands as a powerful symbol of the University's core mission - to support and uplift the dreams of our students," said Harris Smith, dean of the UNM College of Fine Arts. "This event marks more than a construction milestone; it is a celebration of the generosity, vision, and shared purpose that strengthens our entire community. Our donors and supporters are living proof of what's possible when we invest in bold ideas, in creativity, and - most importantly - in one another."

"When the CCAT building is completed, Film and Digital Arts students will have access to the first, Central Campus, purpose-built studio in the department's history," said James Stone, chair of the Film and Digital Arts department. "The studio will provide much-needed space for the fastest-growing department at UNM and allow new opportunities for large-scale collaborations with the digital media community."

Phase 1 of the CCAT construction is expected to be complete toward the end of Fall 2026 with a facility of approximately 60,000 square feet. A benchmark in CFA's ten-year plan to consolidate its various departments across the University.

For more information on the CCAT progress, make a contribution, view the framework plan and more, visit Fine Arts, CCAT.