The Parsons Paris Summer Program offers an exciting set of intensive courses with a modern edge in the historically complex city of Paris. Areas of study include Art History and Critical Studies, Communication Design, Design Management, Fine Arts, Fashion Design, French language, Illustration, and Photography.
One to four-week long courses help introductory to advanced level students explore art, design, business, culture, and language. Through field trips to museums, design organizations, and other sites of visual and cultural interest, participants utilize the abundant resources in the city of Paris as subject matter and inspiration. Studio work, lectures, and independent research projects all help students develop new skills, refine their understanding of art and design and create portfolio pieces for college or graduate school admissions.
European based faculty of professional artists and designers guide the way through the colorful streets, museums, studios, neighborhoods, and shops and businesses of Paris. Through challenging assignments, which are at the core of the program, and studying from masterpieces, students will come away with an enhanced personal artistic and creative sense.
Parsons Paris School of Art + Design, originally known as the Paris Ateliers, was established in 1921, by Frank Alvah Parsons, then director of the New York school of Fine and Applied Art. After his death the New York School was renamed in his honor to Parsons School of Design. The Paris Ateliers was the first American art institution abroad to provide a formal full-time program in the visual arts.
Parsons Paris allows you to gain access to the contemporary art world in Paris, including interactions with curators, artists, and professionals in the cultural industries. Parsons Paris has two locations: one in the 15th arrondissement – a typical Parisian neighborhood, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower and the other in the cosmopolitan and artistic neighborhood of the Bastille in the 11th arrondisement.
Parsons Paris is an internationally renowned art + design program that emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to academics. Parsons Paris is one of the only American art schools in Europe with NASAD Accreditation.
Sky-lit studios used for drawing, painting and sculpture surround a central courtyard. The photography studio, printmaking room, fashion atelier, and computer lab enable students to explore the limits of their creativity. An in–house gallery features exhibits by both professional artists and Parsons Paris students alike.
Parsons Paris’ courses are taught in English and students are drawn from over 40 countries. This multicultural environment nurtures artistic practice as well as individual growth. Parsons Paris students enjoy individual guidance from the close network of professors who are also working professionals.
Students are required to converse fluently in English. Students whose first language is not English must provide documentation of English proficiency (i.e. transcripts from an institution teaching in English; letter from English professor, TOEFL, IELTS, First Certificate, etc.), or may call Parsons Paris for a phone interview.
The courses are limited to 16 students, except ‘From Haute Couture to Prêt-à-Porter’, which is limited to 24 students.
Film screenings, drawing sessions, international guest speaker lectures and special field trips (Giverny, Versailles) will be organized for all students.
