The Summer Arts Institute is a tuition-free, intensive arts program for New York City public school students entering grades 8-12, held at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens.
Students currently enrolled or planning to attend a NYCDOE public school for 2017-18 are eligible to apply. Public school enrollment will be verified to determine eligibility.
2017 Summer Arts Institute
Program Dates: July 5 - July 28, 2017
Note: The film studio will have two mandatory, full-day Saturday sessions in June prior to the start of SAI, dates to be announced.
Summer Arts Institute is open to all New York City Department of Education public school students entering grades 8 through 12 in the Fall of 2017. Only students currently enrolled or planning to attend a New York City Department of Education public school for the 2017-18 school year may apply. When necessary, public school enrollment will be verified to determine eligibility.
To Apply: Click here to complete the online application.
Student Application Period: December 6, 2016 - February 13, 2017
2017 Summer Arts Institute program information and application instructions
Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Applications must be received by Monday, February 13 at 6:00pm. Auditions will be held on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School.
For more information, contact our office at summerarts@schools.nyc.gov or 917-521-3713.
Program Overview
Summer Arts Institute offers a unique opportunity for students to work with DOE arts specialists, partnering cultural organizations, and guest artists. This experienced team of arts professionals guides students in building a portfolio or audition skills for thier next level of study: an arts-focused high school, college, university or conservatory. Students can major in dance, theater, instrumental music (band), vocal music, film, string orchestra, or visual arts. The program is designed for students at an intermediate or advanced level of study in their chosen discipline.
Summer Arts Institute focuses on three areas:
- Developing students' artistic skills and creativity
- Broadening students' awareness of the arts
- Helping students recognize and explore career options in the art and arts-related industries
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 include American Ballet Theater, Roundabout Theatre Company, Theatre for a New Audience, Tribeca Film Institute, and Midori & Friends.
Click here to view a short film showcasing the SAI program in action.