Summer Arts Institute: Where Young Artists Grow

We continue to see the power of what’s possible when young artists are given the time, space, and support to take their creativity further. Through our ongoing partnership with NYC Public Schools for the Summer Arts Institute (SAI), middle and high school students have the opportunity to continue their artistic journeys beyond the school year and immerse themselves in the arts throughout the summer.

Over the course of four weeks, students work alongside professional Studio Artist Instructors and NYC Public Schools Art teachers to strengthen their artistic skills, experiment with new techniques, and develop their own creative voices. Through hands-on studio experiences, students are encouraged to explore their interests and discover new ways to express themselves through art.

“SAl was completely different from school art class. In school, assignments were usually structured and everyone follows the same steps. At SAI, the focus was on creativity, independence, and exploration. Instead of being graded, I was guided. Instead of copying examples, I built my own ideas. It felt more like being part of a community of artists rather than completing a class.”

Cameron C.

SAI 2026 Student

Learning extends beyond the classroom, too. Students visit cultural institutions and explore their surroundings as artists, including field trips to the Central Park Zoo, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). These experiences encourage students to look closely, draw from observation, find inspiration in the world around them, and bring new ideas back into the studio.

“SAI is a lot better than any school art class I’ve ever been in, it is very in depth and focused on art. All our time is spent practicing our craft and it helps us spend our time productively in the summer. SAI has been a great resource and has helped me a huge amount, the experiences I’ve had here will definitely stick with me and will benefit me as I go on with pursuing the arts.”

Oliver L.

SAI 2026 Student

SAI is one of the ways Studio in a School helps students keep creating beyond the classroom. For students who participate in Studio programs during the school year, summer programs like SAI offer another opportunity to continue developing their skills, explore their interests, and connect with a community of fellow young artists.

Are you a middle or high school student who loves art and wants to take your practice to the next level? Keep an eye out for applications for next summer’s Summer Arts Institute! Whether you’re already part of the Studio in a School community or discovering us for the first time, we’d love to see where your creativity takes you.