Increased application rates at NYC art schools as Generation Z seeks to secure enrollment at record levels
In a surprising turn of events, arts programs across New York City are witnessing a surge in applications, defying the usual trend of students opting for more traditional, pre-professional tracks during uncertain economic times.
Recent graduates from arts programs are making their mark in various sectors, from opening art supply stores to working as tattoo artists and even becoming high-school art teachers. This trend suggests that the arts may offer a comforting, human sense of purpose, potentially an advantage over more traditional career tracks in the face of increasing AI threats to job security.
Pratt Institute, a private school, experienced its largest intake in painting and drawing programs this past fall. The School of Visual Arts and Parsons School of Design have also reported significant increases in fine arts major applications, with Parsons seeing a 64% rise since 2016. The trend is not limited to private schools, as public institutions like Hunter College, LaGuardia Community College, and the Fashion Institute of Technology have also reported an increase in fine arts applicants.
While the financial success of recent graduates in the arts is not explicitly stated, Dahlia Elsayed, director of LaGuardia's fine arts program, offers a glimmer of hope. She asserts that it's possible to have a creative life that is financially sustainable, beyond just a studio practice. Her comments imply that there are various ways for artists to make a living while still pursuing their creative passions.
However, it remains unclear whether this surge in applications is primarily driven by students seeking a secure career or those drawn to the creative and purposeful aspects of the field. In-state tuition at all the mentioned public schools is less than $10,000 annually, making these institutions an accessible option for many.
This resurgence in interest in the arts could indicate a shift in student priorities towards creative and purposeful careers, even in uncertain economic times. As these young artists embark on their creative journeys, they bring with them a renewed energy and determination to make their mark in the world of art.
