Summer Programs
Summer at RISD is a time to ask new questions and stretch your creative practice into new areas. Whether you are a current RISD student looking to challenge your thinking in a global context or a K-12 student who wants to stretch your talents, you will find classes and programs that inspire curiosity.
RISD Global summer offerings
RISD Global’s summer offerings provide opportunities to expand your point of view as an artist, designer and engaged global citizen. They are open to current students (undergraduate and graduate) enrolled at RISD or in other art and design programs, recent grads, and art and design professionals. Whichever you choose, these credit-bearing experiences immerse you in inspiring contexts for creative problem-solving.
RISD Pre College summer residential program
Our summer Pre-College program is perfect for rising high school juniors and seniors ready to experience RISD firsthand. It will bring you to into our studios, introduce you to faculty and students from around the world, and push your creative practice to unexpected places. Throughout the six-week program, you’ll experience total immersion in art and design and create exciting work for your portfolio.
Advanced Program Online year-round intensive
High school students grades 10–12* can also take part in the Advanced Program Online, a year-long, college-level art and design experience. The curriculum consists of focused studies in drawing and design, plus featured topic studios for students on the certificate track. Every aspect of the program stresses the skills and thinking you need to build a standout portfolio for college applications.
The program takes place over the course of intensive four-week summer sessions or during the fall and spring in multiple five-week blocks. It is also offered in a non-certificate version.
For teens ages 13–17, RISD CE offers courses for you to explore your interests and make work in many mediums.
* for the summer session, students entering grade 10 and those who just graduated are eligible to enroll.
Kids Vacation Camps
Also available during winter and spring school vacations, RISD’s weeklong day camps let young artists ages 6–12 create work in many mediums and bring their ideas to life.
Kids Vacation Camps are taught by RISD CE instructors to appeal to students with diverse interests and skill levels. Vacation camp courses range from basic drawing and sketching to stop-motion animation and set design.
Summer camps happen on campus in Providence as well as at Tillinghast Place, our beachside grounds in nearby Barrington, RI. (School-year vacation camps are held only at Tillinghast Place.)
Get to know RISD
Immerse yourself in work outside your major, special topic courses, or travel-study experiences.
Explore art and design through a global lens via programs abroad, on campus and online.
Discover immersive art and design courses designed for any stage of your education and all levels of experience.