Recipients are selected through the OCC Scholarship application process and a departmental portfolio or performance review. Visit the VPA Office Front Desk for department-specific scholarship requirements. Applications open in mid-December and close in late February each academic year.
The Visual and Performing Arts Division at Orange Coast College offers expert instruction for the serious art or design student, while simultaneously providing for students who want to enhance their artistic abilities. With courses ranging from ballet to figure drawing to photography to graphic design, students are bound to discover their own means of creative self-expression.
Contact Us
(714) 432-5629
Office Hours
Mon to Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat & Sun, Closed
The Artist Promise
The OCC Artist Promise is a $200,000 incentive program designed to welcome and support new students entering any of OCC’s Visual and Performing Arts programs. The initiative provides $1,000 scholarships to 200 first-year students, paid in two installments, to help cover tuition, fees, and materials. To qualify, students must:
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Declare a major in a VPA program (Art, Dance, DMAD, Film & Television, Music, Photography, or Theatre Arts)
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Create a Student Education Plan with a counselor
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Enroll in and complete at least one major course during their first semester
Student Project Funding
Each year, 20% of the Endowment’s annual allocation supports student-led projects, events, and creative initiatives that enhance the learning experience inside and outside the classroom. Funding helps students participate in exhibitions, performances, conferences, and collaborative events locally and beyond.
Awards are granted through a short application process open to all VPA students, encouraging innovation, leadership, and real-world creative practice.
Merit Scholarships
The Endowment awards Merit Scholarships each spring to recognize exceptional artistic achievement among continuing and graduating students. Individual scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000, celebrating both high-impact graduating artists and those advancing within their programs.
Discover our Facilities for the Arts
Art Center
This state-of-the-art facility houses the Visual Arts Departments including Art, Digital Media Arts & Design, Film & Television, and Photography. The Art Center also houses the Visual and Performing Arts Division Offices and includes a gallery for students called the Student Project Space.
Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion
The Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion is an exemplary facility and ranks among the finest in the nation. Designed by architect Steven Ehrlich, the Doyle is OCC’s contemporary art space. Totaling over 7,000 square feet, the primary spaces consist of a large 2,855 square foot Main Gallery and a 1,318 square foot Project Gallery. Both spaces utilize natural lighting filtered through north-facing skylights, and integrate fully flexible gallery lights, allowing multiple lighting scenes.
Robert B. Moore Theatre
Our largest performing space is the Robert B. Moore Theatre. This beautiful, renovated theatre was designed by the world famous architect, Richard Neutra. It is a 916-seat theatre capable of full-scale Broadway-type shows, dance concerts, and symphony orchestras- home to many OCC Dance performances and Music performing ensembles.
The OCC Theatre Department produces over 30 exciting plays and muscials per year in two stages. Faculty-directed mainstage productions of dramas, comedies and musicals shine in the 160-seat Drama Lab Theatre, while the intimate 50-seat Drama Lab Studio is home to OCC's unique student-run theatre company The Rep.