The School of Art provides a number of spaces and services dedicated to electronic and digital media, which include equipment lending services, shooting studios, and shared CFA Multimedia labs. School of Art students also have access to the university’s pioneering IDeATe Program, which offers classes and facilities dedicated to creative practice and technology.

Multimedia & Electronic Media Classrooms

The School of Art multi-media presentation and electronic media classrooms provide optimal spaces to view high-definition video in the widest range of formats. Every effort is made to maintain the most up-to-date equipment in these clean spaces.

Media Equipment Center

Located in CFA 307A, the School of Art Media Equipment Center (MEC) offers a lending collection of electronic media equipment that is available exclusively to members of the School of Art. With support from the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office, an additional collection of equipment is available to all members of the College of Fine Arts.

These collections include digital and video cameras, lenses, tripods, audio recording and playback devices, lighting, video displays and projectors, computers and accessories, and other items supporting the Electronic and Time-Based Media curriculum, as well as student installations, exhibitions, and documentation. Access to higher-end items may be limited to students who have received training in EMS courses or who have otherwise demonstrated the proficiency and responsibility required to properly utilize advanced-level equipment.

The MEC utilizes Connect2 equipment checkout, scheduling, and reservations software, allowing you to view the equipment available and schedule reservations online at https://cmuart.getconnect2.com. An Andrew UserID and password are required to access this site. The hours of operation are posted on the homepage of the MEC’s Connect2 website.

For further information about the access and availability of the School’s equipment collection, please visit the MEC in person, call 412.268.2424 or email lending@cmu.edu.

Chroma Key Studio

The School of Art’s Chroma Key Studio is outfitted with dedicated lighting and backdrop material for chroma key (green screen/blue screen) video work. This space is available only to Art students, or non-art students currently enrolled in Art courses. Room use requires a reservation, which can be made through the Media Equipment Center in person, via phone (412.268.2424) or email: lending@cmu.edu. Check the Chroma Key Studio reservation calendar on the Shop Calendars page for room availability.

CFA Multimedia Studio

The CFA Multimedia Studio is a joint venture between Computing Services and the College of Fine Arts. It includes regularly updated and upgraded computers and other equipment for such tasks as sound and video editing or 3D Animation.

Located in the north wing on the 3rd floor of CFA, the Multimedia Studio serves an essential role in the School of Art. Among the numerous public computer labs across the University, the Multimedia Studio provides the most comprehensive range of hardware and software for producing electronic and time-based artwork. The CFA Multimedia Studio is managed jointly by Computing Services and the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office.

STUDIO For Creative Inquiry

Directed by Nica Ross, The Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry is a flexible laboratory for new modes of arts research, production and presentation. Founded in 1989 within the College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the STUDIO serves as a locus for hybrid enterprises on the CMU campus, the Pittsburgh region, and internationally. Through our residencies and outreach programs, the STUDIO provides opportunities for learning, dialogue and research that lead to innovative breakthroughs, new policies, and the redefinition of the role of artists in a quickly changing world.