Summer Art Intensive how to apply

How to Apply

Eligibility

The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive accepts resident and non-resident students, ages 15—18, who will be living in New York City or surrounding areas this summer during the course of the program. Preference is given to rising Juniors and Seniors. Students choose 1 of 4 concentrations.

Students take drawing classes in addition to their chosen concentration. All students attend a contemporary art seminar and creative writing workshop once a week, and visit major museums and gallery districts.

Where and When

Students must submit their application and portfolio online by April 15th here.

Classes take place July 1—31, 2019 Monday—Thursdays from 9am—4pm, with an art exhibition reception on August 1st, 4—7pm.

What to submit for a Portfolio

All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of 10—20 jpeg images (not to exceed 4MB in size per piece) of their best and most recent work, with a minimum of 5 drawings from direct observation, including a self portrait in some form. Only submit work made within the last 2 years. You may include images from your sketchbook, Vimeo or YouTube links for your video or animation work. A personal website cannot be used in place of a portfolio through submittable.com. Students are encouraged to apply even though you may not have taken classes before in photography, design, or animation.

Written Statement

In a statement of no more than 250 words please write about the motivating observations and interests that inspire you as a visual thinker.

Review Committee

All student applications will be reviewed by a committee of professional artists and guest alumni who represent the teaching staff of the Summer Art Intensive.

Deadline

Applications are available online until April 15th, 2019.

Notification

Students are contacted by email by April 22th regarding admission. Please call 212.353.4202 with any questions, or write to us here.

Tuition and fees

Application fee:  $35     
Instruction, material, travel, book & museum fees: $2,900

Upon admission, student must make a $500 deposit by May 1, 2019. 

Total balance is due by May 15, 2019.

HOUSING IS NOT AVAILABLE. The Cooper Union does not offer dormitory housing during the summer session. Please visit our Other Housing Options page for assistance in finding potential housing.

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  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

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  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.