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.

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Recent news and upcoming events

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…
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…
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…
Narcan Time Machine: a show by John Michael

September 9 2026 5:30–7:00 PM

RSVP HERE Narcan Time Machine a show by John Michael Wednesday, September 9th 5:30pm STUDIO for Creative Inquiry…
WIND LOAD TEST: Sankofa Bamboo Greenhouse

September 18 2026 8:00–11:30 AM

FRFF supported Community Embedded Research Project
Accomplices: 2026 MFA Practice and Presentation Night

September 10 2026 5:30 PM–September 10 2026 7:30 PM

Please join the School of Art MFA cohort for its annual Presentation Night. Free and open to the public.…
Sacred Harp Workshop

October 28 2026 11:00–12:20 PM
Art&&Code: Transmissions

September 19 2026–September 20 2026

Workshop space will be limited. RSVP at transmissions.artandcode.org Art&&Code returns this September 19th and 20th with Transmissions, a two-day exploration…
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…
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…