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5 Art Research Opportunities for High School Students

Writer's picture: Stephen TurbanStephen Turban

Art research opportunities for high school students provide early exposure to college academics, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of the art industry. These programs offer hands-on experiences in areas like art history, visual arts, and design, helping students build portfolios and connect with mentors. 

Many programs are fully funded or low-cost, making them accessible for students seeking academic and creative growth. These opportunities also explore the intersection of art with technology, history, and culture. We've compiled a list of 5 top-tier programs, known for their prestigious affiliations, competitive acceptance rates, and immersive learning experiences.


If you're looking for more research programs and internships in art for high school students, check out this blog.


The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is one of those art research opportunities for high school students that offers you the chance to conduct independent research in art under the guidance of experienced PhD mentors. Scholars begin the program with an introductory meeting to define their research topics and formulate key questions and engage deeply with their chosen topics alongside their mentors to develop a research paper. The program concludes with the Lumiere Research Symposium, where participants present their findings and gain experience in sharing their work with professionals.


Students in the program are fully immersed in the research process, with opportunities for virtual site visits and collaboration with art experts. This program provides a structured environment for developing essential research and writing skills, exploring a passion for art, and preparing for university-level academic challenges. Whether focused on art history, theory, or practice, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program equips students with valuable tools to grow both academically and creatively.


Location: Remote

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited (if available)

Dates: Varies based on program selection

Application Deadline: Early Admissions – February 18; Priority Admissions – March 17

Eligibility: High-achieving high school students with a passion for art and research


The NYU High School Summer Art Intensive offers an art research opportunity for high school students aged 15–18. It is a chance for you to develop their artistic skills through studio projects and visits to New York City’s renowned art institutions. The program provides hands-on experience, experimenting with new materials and techniques, while fostering collaboration and mentorship within a creative community. Students also explore artist studios to gain insights into creative processes. Staying at the NYU Student Residence Hall, they have easy access to the East Village studio. By the end, students grow their technical skills, deepen their understanding of contemporary art, and refine their portfolios.


Location: New York University, East Village, Manhattan

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 54 students

Dates: July 6 – August 2

Application Deadline: February 15 for financial aid applicants and international students; March 1 for all other applicants

Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18, going into their Sophomore (10th), Junior (11th), or Senior (12th) year

Cost: $7,272 (includes housing)

 

The Parsons Pre-College Art & Design Intensive offers students aged 16–18 the opportunity to study art and design at Parsons’ Greenwich Village campus in New York City. This three-week, three-credit course includes project-based learning, field trips, and industry discussions, designed to refine artistic skills and prepare students for college-level studies. Participants also explore New York City’s creative scene through extracurricular activities in art, design, and fashion. With a structured Monday–Friday schedule, students gain hands-on experience and academic growth in a collaborative, inspiring environment.


Location: Parsons’ NYC Greenwich Village campus

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited spots available

Dates:

Session 1: June 9–27

Session 2: July 7–25

Application Deadline:

Session 1: May 1 (April 1 for international students)

Session 2: June 1 (May 1 for international students and students needing housing)

Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18

Cost: $5,400 plus $255 university fee


The Sotheby’s Summer Institute offers high school students the opportunity to explore the art world in New York City through an art research opportunity. This two-week program offers courses in gallery and museum management, painting, drawing, and art history. Students gain firsthand experience through behind-the-scenes access to galleries, auction houses, artists' studios, and museums, with insights from leading scholars and professionals in the art industry.

Students participate in field trips and extracurricular activities that enhance their art knowledge and research skills. With a focus on art history, gallery management, and artistic development, the program offers a comprehensive learning experience, with accommodations in central New York City for easy access to the art scene.


Location: New York City

Dates: 

  • Session 1: July 6–18;

  • Session 2: July 20–August 1

Application Deadline: No specific deadline listed

Eligibility: Rising high school students (grades 10-12) and graduating seniors. Students must be 15 years old by the first day of the program.

Cost: $6,990 (Tuition, Room, and Board) + $275 Materials Fee; Total Cost of Attendance: $7,265


The Met High School Internship Program offers paid opportunities for students in grades 10 and 11 (or those working toward their High School Equivalency degree) who live in or attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. This program allows you to engage with art, museums, and professionals while developing key skills, networking, and gaining valuable work experience.

This internship offers hands-on experience in areas like editorial, marketing, social media, education, research, and conservation, providing valuable art research opportunities for high school students. You’ll explore how your interests intersect with museum work while learning from peers and professionals.


Application Deadline: March 7, 6 pm ET

Program Duration:

  • Bootcamp: July 2, 9 am - 5 pm

  • Departmental Placement: July 7 - August 8 (10-20 hours per week)

  • Final Event: August 8

Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11, or those obtaining their High School Equivalency degree. Must reside in or attend a high school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.



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