NYSSSA In-Residency Program

New York State Education Department Launches Visioning Task Force to Reimagine the Future of the New York State Summer School of the Arts Program

 

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has announced the creation of the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) Visioning Task Force, a statewide initiative to strengthen and reimagine one of New York’s most longstanding and impactful arts education programs.

 

Historically, NYSSSA has encompassed up to seven schools of study—including theater, dance, music, visual arts, and media arts—hosted at college campuses and cultural institutions throughout the state. Like many residential programs, NYSSSA was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic and, over the past two summers, has operated only three of its seven schools of study. The visioning process is intended to support a thoughtful, phased return to the full range of NYSSSA offerings.

 

The upcoming year will serve as a dedicated planning year, allowing NYSED and its partners to reflect on past experience and design a future-focused model that aligns with statutory requirements, student needs, and the highest standards of excellence, equity, safety, and sustainability.

 

The Visioning Task Force will be chaired by Roger Tilles, outgoing Regent of the New York State Board of Regents. In this role, Regent Tilles will lead a diverse group of educators, artists, and stakeholders from across the state in a comprehensive review of NYSSSA’s structure, scope, student experience, access, and operations, with the goal of developing a strong, sustainable, and future-ready model for the program.

 

During this planning year, NYSED remains committed to expanding access to high-quality arts education opportunities. Students and families are encouraged to utilize the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program, a year-round, need-based initiative that supports participation in New York State–based after-school and summer arts programs.