The Top 5 Art Programs in 2022

Grab your paint palette and ballet shoes and invest in your unique, creative genius by joining an art program abroad in 2022. These acclaimed international schools and U.S. art programs offer you the opportunity to learn from the best as you gain an introduction to the creative world you hope to join, whether its fashion, performance art, fine art, writing, and more.

No matter what art form sparks your interest, you can develop your skills under the mentorship of experienced, working artists or among the feedback of your peers and hone your creativity as a growing artist.

Although we couldn't include all the best art programs, we compiled this list to include a range of art mediums. So, without further ado, here are some of the top art programs to attend in 2022.

• Best for cultural immersion: Art History Abroad
• Best for art inspiration: Cow House Studios
• Best for career growth: ArtBound Initiative
• Best for unique experience: Irish Gap Year
• Best for hands-on learning: APIs

For more than thirty years, this family-run company has been bringing art to life and pursuing excellence by providing students thoughtful engagement with art and the tools they need to advance their technique.

Through discussion and practical training, you’ll learn history firsthand as you study art and architecture in cities globally known for both. You’ll engage Italy, France, and London with all five senses during immersive small group interactions on-site, and in the process, you’ll learn more about yourself.

With a firm belief that travel broadens experience, Art History Abroad prides itself on not simply teaching art but also culture and an appreciation of beauty. Every academic background is welcome in this art program.

It's impossible not to feel inspired while studying contemporary arts in this progressive, artist-run school in beautiful Wexford, Ireland. Nestled at the foot of the Blackstairs Mountains, Cow House Studios is based in a charming converted stone barn that provides the inspiration for its name.

Though drawing is the foundation of the school, you’ll be urged to explore any area of your choice during this twelve-week gap year. The study of color theory, life drawing, or even the history of photography is all open to you. No matter what your focus, the school encourages independent thought through the exploration of new materials, processes, or media.

Organized trips to Dublin and other cities are complemented by studio visits and presentations by Irish artists and curators.

If you’ve ever had an interest in pursuing a career in the creative industry, consider an internship opportunity with ArtBound Initiative. Interns can work in exciting locations such as New York, Berlin, Melbourne, Sydney, and Hong Kong, while getting connected with ArtBound Initiatives large network of creative professionals.

Past internship placements have included major art/media companies such as CBS, Vice, Acme Design, and more. They also offer programs covering a large range of focuses, from fashion and film, to marketing and performing arts.

If you're looking for a community-based, small group experience, Irish Gap Year is one of the top art programs to attend this year. This program is proud of its four cornerstones: cultural immersion, experiential learning, artistic expression, and portfolio development.

Explore your own areas of interest as you work side by side with local Irish artists, photographers, writers, performers, and musicians, learning about Ireland’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Your hands-on experience goes hand in hand with day trips to galleries, museums, castles, and theaters, and at the end, you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your photography, found art, or poetry at the La Cheile Art Expo.

In addition to this art program’s fantastic support and guidance, the location can’t be beat: Donegal won National Geographic’s “Coolest Place in the World” in 2017.

Attend the Irish Arts and Culture Program with Irish Gap Year:

Embrace rich Italian culture as you study various art forms at Lorenzo de’ Medici - The Italian International Institute (LdM) with API. Students can take a wide range of courses at The School of Creative Arts, The School of Design, and The School of Italian Language and Culture.

In this once-in-a-lifetime experience, museums and the enchanting cobblestone streets of Florence, Italy serve as your classroom. Whether you're an art enthusiast or hoping to dip your toes into studying art history, this is the perfect program for you.

In the end, most creatives will tell you that the best art programs - whether in the U.S or overseas - are the ones that give you the opportunity to show up fully, to widen your horizons, and to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Whatever you decide to pursue, let 2022 be the year you take your next steps as an artist. Good luck with your search, fellow artists!

This post is updated annually and most recently revised in November 2021.