About us

The Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry is the research laboratory for the College of Fine Arts, where faculty, staff, and students develop works that reach beyond the classroom and the campus.

The STUDIO is operated by a team of research and business support specialists who help shape your proposals, seek out novel technology, and workshop ideas ranging from nascent experiments to public spectacles. Get research support from the STUDIO by applying for our in-house grant programs, or contact us to meet about your practice.

Sign up to receive our newsletter with notifications about upcoming opportunities, activities, and new works from CMU’s extended community of artists and scholars.

Recent news and upcoming events

Sacred Harp Workshop

October 28 2026 11:00–12:20 PM
Will Rinkoff (C_Robo) + Char Stiles: Artist Talk

October 22 2026 5:30–6:30 PM

BIG ALUMNI RETURN from Char Stiles and c_robo giving artist talks in the STUDIO Thursday 10/22 at 5:30 and Saturday performances at Detour’s…
Expansion of Crochet Stitch Mesh Functionality (2026 FUCKERY Award)

Crochet is a textile fabrication technique where surfaces are created from manipulating yarn into loops with a hooked tool. Research…
R&J (2026 Maddy Varner Award)

Julia He sank her teeth into producing and funding an independent production of Romeo and Juliet, reimagined as Shakespeare’s R&J by Joe…
Harrison Apple Named Director of CMU’s Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry

Harrison passes the microphone to Mame Niang (LCAL) during a Computational Textiles workshop organized with Vernelle Noel (CM-Architecture), Olivia Robinson…
2025-2026 Sylvia and David Steiner Speaker Series Annual Report

Download this year’s Steiner Book About the Steiner Fund The Sylvia and David Steiner Speaker Series brings creative practitioners who push…
The Animated Works Of James Duesing

November 5 2026 7:30–9:00 PM

Tickets here! CMU affiliates use code “KeylightJD” Presented in partnership w/ Keylight Join us for a collection of short animated…
Five Lessons on Caregiving: From Wilderness to Survival w/ Virginia Eubanks

October 28 2026 5:00–7:00 PM

RSVP HERE