Contact us at
summerarts@schools.nyc.gov or 212-374-6845 for further information.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Summer Arts Institute is a tuition-free, intensive, four-week arts program for New York City public school students entering grades 8-12, held at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School in Astoria, Queens.
Students can major in dance, theater, instrumental music (band), vocal music, film, photography or visual arts. The program is designed for students at an intermediate or advanced level of study in their chosen discipline.
Summer Arts Institute offers a unique opportunity for students to work with Department of Education arts specialists, partnering cultural organizations, and guest artists. This experienced team of arts professionals guides students in building a portfolio or audition skills for their next level of study: an arts-focused high school, college, university or conservatory.
Summer Arts Institute focuses on three areas:
- developing students' artistic skills and creativity;
- broadening students' awareness of the arts and;
- helping students recognize and explore career options in the art and arts-related industries.
This intensive summer arts experience connects students to community and cultural resources along with access to careers and lifelong learning in the arts.
The daily schedule includes studio work and experiences with professional artists, both on and off-site. In the studios, students develop and improve their technical skills and creative expression in their selected art form. Time is dedicated to rehearsals, attending professional performances, visiting professional arts venues and exploring potential careers. Students are given opportunities to perform in selected venues around New York City, and to show their original work in an informal, cabaret-like setting called the SAI Café. The Institute culminates with an exhibition and live performance for families and the local community showcasing the students’ work from all studios.
Students who complete the program in good standing are eligible to receive a 1/2 unit of credit that may be applied towards an elective arts credit or a Regents or local diploma-major sequence upon approval from their school.
Our cultural partners are
American Ballet Theatre (Dance),
Roundabout Theatre Company (Theater),
Theatre for a New Audience (Theater) and
Tribeca Film Institute (Film).
Young Audiences New York will provide guest artists in a variety of disciplines throughout the Institute.
Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
