Ignite Your Creativity: 10 New York Summer Art Programs for High School Students

Known for its vibrant arts culture, New York City is home to the Metropolitan Museum, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Broadway, and much more. Artists from near and far flock to its streets to experience world-class art, theater, and music. If you’re fortunate enough to live in NYC or visit for a summer, rest assured you’ll have no shortage of artistic opportunities. From museums, galleries, studios, and performance venues, students interested in the arts will be sure to find a wealth of inspiration and numerous opportunities for art-making.

Why Join a Summer Art Program in New York?

New York summer art programs for high school students offer aspiring artists the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural environment.  These programs provide a comprehensive student experience that includes access to world-renowned museums, galleries, and artistic institutions, allowing participants to enhance their creative skills while being inspired by the city's dynamic art scene.

Benefits of Participating in a Summer Art Program

Summer art programs often provide intensive hands-on instruction from experienced professionals, enabling students to engage in studio practice to refine their techniques and explore new mediums. Beyond skill development, participants benefit from networking opportunities, making connections with peers and instructors who can serve as valuable resources in their future artistic endeavors.

New York as an Artistic Hub

New York City’s renowned institutions, including prestigious museums, theaters, and art galleries, provide endless inspiration and opportunities for artists of all disciplines. From the bustling streets filled with street art to avant-garde performances on Broadway, the city's vibrant environment fosters creativity and innovation. New York's active art community encourages collaboration and experimentation, making it an ideal place for artists to develop their voices and engage with the broader cultural landscape.

Discover New York State Summer School Programs

New York State offers a diverse array of summer school programs tailored for high school students, providing a unique blend of academic enrichment, artistic exploration, and personal growth. These programs cater to a wide range of interests and talents, from arts and design to science and technology. By participating in these programs, students can gain invaluable experience, build impressive portfolios, and develop skills that will serve them well in their future academic and professional endeavors. Whether you’re passionate about painting, coding, or creative writing, there’s a program designed to ignite your curiosity and enhance your abilities.

Top 10 Summer Art Programs for High School Students in New York

Whether you’re interested in fashion, film, or fine arts, there are plenty of art opportunities for high school students in New York City. In addition to the 10 summer art programs listed below, you may also want to check out these 12 Research and Summer Programs in New York. Alternatively, if you’re committed to the arts but are open to other locations, you may want to check out these Top 10 Art & Design Summer Programs for High Schoolers.

1. Parsons School of Design - Summer Intensive Studies

Eligibility: High school students (ages 16-18)

Application Deadline: May 1st, 2025 (session 1) | June 1st, 2025 (session 2) | international student deadlines vary

Program Dates: Session 1: June 9–27, 2025; Session 2: July 7–25, 2025

Cost: $5,400 plus $255 university fees

Parsons School of Design’s three-week immersive Summer Intensive program offers college-level curriculum, field trips, guest speakers, and networking opportunities across several different artistic mediums, including fashion, graphic design, photography, and architectural design. Participants engage in hands-on projects taught by experienced faculty, allowing them to develop their portfolios and gain valuable insights into the world of design. By participating in this program, students have the opportunity to earn 3 course credits.

2. School of Visual Arts (SVA) - Pre-College Program

Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: 3 weeks in July (dates TBD)

Cost: $2,500 (online), $3,000 (in-person)

The School of Visual Arts’ Pre-College Program offers 3-credit courses in animation, photography, and graphic design. In addition to exposing high schoolers to a college-level curriculum, students attend portfolio-building workshops and learn other college application strategies. They also have the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities, such as touring museums and attending Broadway shows.

3. The Cooper Union - Summer Art Intensive

Eligibility: Rising sophomores to rising seniors

Application Deadline: March 2025 (date TBD)

Program Dates: July 14–August 7, 2025 (Mondays–Thursdays: 9:30 am–4:30 pm)

Cost: $4,000

The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive allows students to immerse themselves in studio practices so that they can begin developing an artistic voice. Through a range of workshops in drawing, painting, and mixed media, participants receive personalized instruction from faculty and engage in critiques to refine their techniques and concepts. At the end of the program,  during the final week, students have the opportunity to participate in a final student exhibition showcasing their work created during the program. 

4. Summer Art Safari in NYC: Museums and Parks

Eligibility: Students ages 12-18

Application Deadline: Rolling admission

Program Dates: Mid-June – August (3, 4, or 5 half days)

Cost: $449 – $549

The Art Studio NY offers art education programs throughout the year for children, teens, and adults. During the summer, they offer Summer Art Safari in NYC: Museums and Parks, a popular program where teens create art while visiting museums and parks throughout the city. Students will visit, and gain inspiration from, places such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, The Conservatory, The Guggenheim, the Museum of The City of New York, El Barrio, and The Museum of Natural History.

5. New York Film Academy - Teen Summer Programs

Eligibility: High school students (ages 14-17)

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: Various courses offered in June – August

Cost: Varies per program, often ranges from $1,725 – $4,525 

New York Film Academy Summer Camps offer online and in-person courses in digital photography, animation, visual storytelling, musical theater, game design, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, and much more. Throughout the course of this program, industry professionals guide students in developing their creative skills while creating their own short films. 

6. Pratt Institute - Pre-College Program

Eligibility: ​​High school students (ages 16-18)

Application Deadline: April 14th, 2025 (Scholarship Deadline: February 1, 2025 | International Deadline: April 1st, 2025)

Program Dates: July 7th – August 1st, 2025 

Cost: $65 application fee, $7441 (residential), $5,260 (commuter)

Pratt Institute’s Summer PreCollege Program offers a wide range of 4-week courses focused on art, design, architecture, and creative writing. Students will have the opportunity to take two courses, earning 4 college credits in the process. Throughout the course of this program, students will gain college-level skills, develop their art portfolios, and learn alongside a group of motivated, like-minded peers. This program is designed to help emerging artists cultivate their talents through intensive curriculums and critical engagement with art.

7. New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts - High School Programs

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (preference given to juniors) with at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA

Application Deadline: December 2nd, 2024

Program Dates: 4 weeks in the summer (dates TBD)

Cost: $75 application fee; overall cost varies by program but generally falls in the $7,664 to $11,496 range

Tisch Summer High School Program offers specialized courses in Dance, Drama, Production and Design, Dramatic Writing, Filmmaking, Game Design, Photography, and Recorded Music. Taught by industry experts, these intensive, 4-week courses challenge students to develop their own artistic practice while contributing to their college art portfolio. Upon completion of this program, students have the opportunity to earn 4-6 college credits. Students will also be given opportunities to present their work within a formal setting.

8. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) - Summer Live

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12

Application Deadline: June 10th, 2025

Program Dates: July 7th – 22nd, 2025

Cost: $550 

FIT’s Summer Live program provides students with the chance to explore various aspects of the fashion industry through hands-on workshops and courses. From fashion design to marketing, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of fashion while developing practical skills. Throughout the course of this program, students create portfolio pieces with expert guidance from faculty.

If you’re interested in studying fashion, you may also want to take a look at these Fashion Design Competitions for High School Students. 

9. ArtsConnection Teen Programs: Map Free City  

Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-19)

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July (total of 12 sessions)

Cost: Free

There are lots of ArtsConnection Teen Programs offered throughout the year, including the summer program Map Free City. Map Free City is a free program where students explore NYC art culture by visiting various museums, artist studios, and galleries, fostering a close-knit community. Students will also have the opportunity to attend cutting-edge theater, dance, and music performances throughout the city and create digital media in response to these performances, which will be published on the program’s blog, THE JAR.

10. MoMA’s In the Making Program 

Eligibility: NYC high school students (ages 15-18)

Application Deadline: June 2025 (date TBD)

Program Dates: 7 weeks in July – August (dates TBD)

Cost: Free

MoMA’s In the Making program provides high schoolers with free, hands-on studio art classes. Students are encouraged to take inspiration from MoMA’s exhibits and explore various mediums, such as drawing, photography, sculpture, performance, and collage. This program focuses on fostering critical thinking through group discussions and critiques. 

Artists’ Studios and Workshops

The Artists’ Studios and Workshops program is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the creative process alongside professional artists and designers. Set in state-of-the-art studios, this program allows students to explore various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, graphic design, and photography. The environment fosters creativity, experimentation, and innovation, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voice and style. By working in a collaborative and supportive setting, students can refine their skills, build confidence, and prepare for a future in the arts. This hands-on experience is invaluable for any aspiring artist looking to make their mark.

How These Programs Help in College Admissions

Participating in a summer art program is a great way to learn How to Put Together a Portfolio For Your College Application. If you’re a prospective art student, art portfolios play a crucial role in college admissions. Art portfolios take a lot of time, effort, and creativity to assemble. This is why having feedback and guidance is so crucial. 

Art Programs as an Edge in College Applications

College admissions officers want to admit passionate students capable of succeeding both inside and outside of the classroom. This is one of the many reasons why participation in summer art programs enhances college applications. Art programs foster creative dialogue and critical thinking, two skills that are highly valued on college campuses. Additionally, college admissions officers value students who actively pursue their passions and demonstrate their ability to take initiative and seek out interesting educational experiences. 

Building a Competitive Portfolio

Assembling a competitive art portfolio for college admissions requires careful planning and attention to detail. This is why seeking out feedback from professionals is so important. In addition to creating strong portfolio pieces, many of the summer art programs discussed in this article offer specialized workshops and mentorship opportunities for portfolio enhancement. This is an incredible opportunity that students should take full advantage of. After all, how many students will have the opportunity to receive criticism, guidance, and feedback from professional artists from New York City? 

Application and Admission Requirements

Applying to the New York State Summer School Programs involves a few key steps. To be eligible, students must be in high school (grades 9-12) and demonstrate a strong interest in the arts, design, or a related field. For art and design programs, a portfolio showcasing their work is required. Additionally, students must provide transcripts and letters of recommendation for academic programs. The application process is completed online, and given the competitive nature of these programs, early application is highly encouraged. Admission is based on a thorough review of the student’s application materials, so it’s important to present your best work and highlight your passion for the field.

Program Costs and Financial Aid

The cost of attending a New York State Summer School Program can vary depending on the specific program and its location. However, many programs offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to help qualified students manage their expenses. Typical program costs include tuition and fees, room and board for residential programs, and materials and supplies for art and design courses. Financial aid options may encompass scholarships and grants, federal and state aid for eligible students, and flexible payment plans. Students are encouraged to carefully review the program costs and financial aid options and reach out to program administrators for more detailed information. This ensures that financial constraints do not hinder the opportunity to participate in these enriching summer experiences.

Making the Most Out of Your Summer Art Experience

In order to make the most out of your summer art program, make sure you engage fully in all of your workshops and discussions. Take advantage of feedback from your instructors and experiment with various mediums and styles, allowing yourself to step outside your comfort zone. 

Choosing the Right Program for You

There are lots of factors you’ll want to consider when selecting a summer arts program, such as cost, length of program, and selectiveness. Next, you’ll want to consider what the program is most known for. For example, if you’re interested in studying fashion, you’ll want to be researching different programs than if you were interested in studying screenwriting. Choose a program that challenges you and offers opportunities for practical skills development. Don’t hesitate to reach out to program coordinators with any questions you may have during your decision-making process. 

Networking and Mentorship

Take initiative by connecting with instructors, visiting artists, and peers. Keep in mind that these relationships can lead to future collaborations and opportunities. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors who can offer insights into your work and the industry. And remember, building a supportive network can lead to internships, exhibitions, and job opportunities in the future. 

Summer Learning with Polygence

Participating in a Polygence program offers an excellent opportunity to enhance confidence and independence. With tailored mentorship and the chance to undertake an independent project — such as one of these Fine Arts Passion Projects — students can thoroughly explore their interests while receiving personalized feedback.

Overall, our Research Mentorship Program encourages students to engage in critical and creative thinking, applying their research in practical, real-world situations. Thanks to our interactive and often interdisciplinary teaching methods, students leave our program feeling motivated and inspired, excited to pursue other educational opportunities.