Applications Open for 2025 New York State Summer School of the Arts In-Residency Program

The New York State Education Department today announced that applications are now open for the 2025 New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) In-Residency program. This program will provide students with the opportunity to study alongside professional artists in a competitive, yet nurturing environment. Each program will be culminating in a public showcase or exhibition. The four-week program will be held on the SUNY Fredonia campus, and will run from July 6 – August 2, 2025.

New York State Summer School of the Arts Executive Director Molly Hennighausen said, “We are filled with immense excitement for next year's class of students. Arts education is vital, and this program empowers students to refine their craft under the mentorship of experienced artists and performers. It's an extraordinary experience that shapes not only their summer but their artistic journeys."

Students in grades 8-12, from across New York State, are eligible to apply. Early decision applications must be submitted by January 12 and regular admission applications are due on March 14. Acceptance into the program is based on a rigorous audition and portfolio review process.

Since its founding in 1970, this celebrated program has trained over 20,000 students, fostering their artistic talents and preparing them for promising futures. The NYSSSA program, rooted in excellence and equity, serves a diverse student population from across New York State to offer high-quality artistic experiences. NYSSSA stands as a beacon of creativity, providing New York's most gifted young artists with advanced study opportunities in the visual and performing arts.

Students can choose from one of the following program options:

Media Arts: Directed by renowned media educator and videographer Ghen Zando-Dennis. This program offers comprehensive instruction in media fundamentals, aesthetics, and innovative techniques across 16 mm film, digital video, photography, and computer animation.

Theatre: Led by award-winning director Margaret Denithorne. Students will receive intense training in acting, movement, improvisation, and voice, with opportunities to learn from guest artists specializing in various theatre disciplines.

Visual Arts: Overseen by New York-based sculpture artist and educator, Greg Lendeck and visual artist and novelist, Nicholas Rispoli. Participants will engage in diverse artistic disciplines, including sculpture, mixed media, and figure studies, guided by acclaimed artists and educators.

All students are encouraged to apply, irrespective of financial background, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. In 2024, 46% of students received tuition assistance from NYSSSA’s aid program, which is available for families earning less than $91,000 annually.

To apply for this program, students are required to submit an online application, an artist statement, and a portfolio or audition. All information for applying, including specific portfolio and audition requirements for each program, can be found on the NYSSSA website.

For priority consideration, interested students should apply by the early decision deadline of January 12^th, 2025. The regular admission deadline is March 14^th, 2025. Applications received after this date will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Returning applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

NYSSSA is a proud member of the National Conference of Governor's Schools, upholding a national standard of excellence that nurtures creativity and fosters a community of passionate artists. For more information, email nysssa@nysed.gov or call (518) 474-8773.

About the Cultural Education Center

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 480 million years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website.

The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department. Visit the New York State Library website for a complete list of upcoming programs. To receive news, resources, and other updates, please subscribe to the quarterly newsletter.

The New York State Archives holds many of the oldest and most important archival treasures in the nation. The Archives preserves and makes accessible over 250 million records of New York’s State and colonial governments dating from 1630 to the present. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York’s history via its Digital Collections on the Archives website.  

The Archives Partnership Trust was founded in 1992 to build an endowment and provide project support to enhance humanities programs, increase access to these outstanding treasures, and continue the preservation of New York's historical records. Since its founding, the Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has supported exceptional projects and programs. These include the Research Residency Program, the Student Research Awards Program, history conferences, special exhibitions, public education programs, book signings and lectures, publications, teacher training institutes, preservation projects, and more. 

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.