Location

New York, NY, USA

Program Description

New York City is a leading global arts capital. It is home to some of the world’s most innovative public art, design, and building, and the City inspires contemporary artists and architects from around the world. 

Manhattan will be our home base. From here we will make short trips to the borough of Queens and by ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We will view public and corporate art collections, speak to practicing artists about the NYC arts industry, visit galleries and auction houses, and study public art and architecture throughout Manhattan and its boroughs. We will meet and engage with curators, designers, gallery representatives, artists, and architectural historians who offer their invaluable insight into the NYC arts world through their professional expertise and personal experiences. Among these are a number of JMU alums who are now successful  professionals in leading NYC arts institutions. 

Throughout this 6-credit program, we will experience behind-the-scenes tours in the city's foremost galleries, auction houses, and museums. We will live in the heart of the city's Upper West Side, minutes from Central Park and a short bus and subway ride to all parts of Manhattan and its outer boroughs. Students will enjoy leisure time to explore the city on their own.

Site visits will include: Metropolitan Museum of Art & The Cloisters; Museum of Modern Art, including PS 1; Sotheby's and Christie's; The Gagosian Galleries; Ellis Island Museum; World Trade Center; Brooklyn Museum; Museum of Contemporary Art.

Location Description

New York City is undeniably one of the great cities of the world to study and work in the arts. This location offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the culture and history of the city, while students gain invaluable knowledge about the art market and the museum profession.

Director

Sarah Brooks | brooksst@jmu.edu | School of Art, Design and Art History

Leah Stoddard | stoddala@jmu.edu | School of Art, Design and Art History

Accommodations

Convenient hotel with double accommodations, including wireless.

Students will be allocated a weekly meal stipend that will cover approximately 14 meals per week.

Additional Items to Consider

Completion of some coursework is required prior to departure. Class will be held virtually betwen 5/13-5/16 (4 official class days, 3 hours total of class time per day, 2 sessions per day-90 minutes each) for a total of 12 hours. Coursework includes: synchronous online class meetings for academic preparation pre-departure including lectures and class discussions; students will complete graded assignments during this period.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0.

Open to all majors and class levels, including graduate students.

Application Process

This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:

• Study Abroad Online Application ($25 fee)
• Short Essay
• Resume
• Academic References
• Interview with Program Director may be required
• Official transcript required for non-JMU students; unofficial transcript required for JMU students

Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.