Design, Arts, and Media Summer Institutes

Dance as a Healing Art

This two-week non-residential program is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore the intersections of technique, choreographic process, and dance as a healing art. Each day will consist of two technique classes, a seminar on careers in dance, choreographic process, and choreographic work time. The week will end with a culminating performance. Students enrolled in the Drexel University Summer Dance Intensive will have the opportunity to investigate dance as a college student, while enjoying the benefits of being in Philadelphia. The days will consist of technique classes, seminars on careers in dance, and choreographic explorations led by Drexel dance faculty with special choreographic mentorship by Drexel dance students. This two-week intensive will allow the workshop participant to understand the intersections of technique, creative process, and dance as a healing art.

Discovering Architecture

For two stimulating weeks, students can come live on Drexel's campus and explore the fields of architecture and interior design. Students will choose an area of study and collaborate in cross-disciplinary teams, as well as gain an understanding of each program and the ways they inform each other to further enhance their projects. Drexel's professional full-time faculty of architecture and interior design teach the summer programs in studios and labs used by our very own students with coursework drawn from our undergraduate curriculum. The program includes sketching, drawing, evolving design theories and concepts, designing, and model making along with professional guest lectures to produce a project that can be added to a portfolio. Field trips provide an insider's look at professional design firms to see firsthand the types of projects they work on and how they work in partnership with other disciplines to create built environments. Students will visit significant buildings and cultural centers in Philadelphia as well as visit a construction site to experience a project in development. Best of all, they will get to know Drexel and the Westphal College experience. The university will provide an application fee waiver to any summer attendee that applies to Drexel.

Discovering Interior Design

For two stimulating weeks, students can come live on Drexel's campus and explore the fields of architecture and interior design. Students will choose an area of study and collaborate in cross-disciplinary teams, as well as gain an understanding of each program and the ways they inform each other to further enhance their projects. Drexel's professional full-time faculty of architecture and interior design teach the summer programs in studios and labs used by our very own students with coursework drawn from our undergraduate curriculum. The program includes sketching, drawing, evolving design theories and concepts, designing, and model making along with professional guest lectures to produce a project that can be added to a portfolio. Field trips provide an insider's look at professional design firms to see firsthand the types of projects they work on and how they work in partnership with other disciplines to create built environments. Students will visit significant buildings and cultural centers in Philadelphia as well as visit a construction site to experience a project in development. Best of all, they will get to know Drexel and the Westphal College experience. The University will provide an application fee waiver to any summer attendee that applies to Drexel.

Exploring Graphic Design

An exceptional one-week virtual program in graphic design taught by award-winning faculty, this workshop is open to high school students interested in learning about the creative world of visual communications. Through hands-on, virtual studio-based instruction, students will work on projects that explore the design process, participate in critiques and discussion, and create portfolio-ready work. These offerings will be supplemented by virtual studio tours and online field trips, speakers, and other activities designed to give students an introduction to the design experience and to get a sense of career opportunities in graphic design.

Fashion Design Redefined: 3D & Creativity for the Future

Fashion Design is a creative form that merges self-expression with problem-solving. With a focus on technology and craft, this one-week program will introduce you to a carefully designed curriculum consisting of lectures, demonstrations, studio work, activities, and field trips to local design communities within Philadelphia. You will research concepts and develop ideas through sketching, draping, and innovative technology to produce sample projects that can help you create a fashion portfolio. This one-week residential opportunity will immerse you in the world of fashion while offering you an actual preview of our studio fashion design courses.

Graphic Design Workshop

An exceptional one-week intensive residential program in graphic design taught by award-winning faculty, this workshop is open to high school students interested in learning about the creative world of visual communications. Through hands-on studio-based instruction, students will work on projects that explore the design process, participate in critiques and discussions, and create portfolio-ready work. Studio classes are supplemented by cultural field trips, design studio visits, and guest presentations by faculty, industry professionals, and alumni…all designed to give students an opportunity for an undergraduate experience and to get a sense of career opportunities in graphic design.

Merchandising: Re-Imagining the Business of Fashion

For one exciting week, explore the field of Fashion Merchandising. You will attend a carefully designed curriculum consisting of lessons, activities, and virtual field trips under the guidance of industry professionals. Faculty members all have extensive experience in various aspects of the fashion industry. You will work individually and in teams to complete a variety of projects.

Music Industry Summer Program

Recorded music is more than the performer and performance: It is the intersection of business and technology. Behind every artist is a team of professionals recording and mixing sound, while marketing and promoting the artist to consumers and media; publishers working to expand the music's reach through other entertainment outlets; and dozens more individuals crafting virtually every aspect of what will be seen and heard.

Music Industry Summer Program (Virtual)

Recorded music is more than the performer and performance: It is the intersection of business and technology. Behind every artist is a team of professionals recording and mixing sound, while marketing and promoting the artist to consumers and media; publishers working to expand the music's reach through other entertainment outlets; and dozens more individuals crafting virtually every aspect of what will be seen and heard.

Summer Photography Workshop

The one-week residency Photography Workshop will be an intensive exploration of the many facets that make up photography in the 21st century. We will cover all main areas of the medium with one-two day intensive lessons. We will begin in the studio, covering the workflow of lighting both still life and portraits. Then we will move into our state-of-the-art digital labs where we will learn how to harness the full power of Photoshop and make large prints from the prior two days in the studio. Finally, we will spend two days in the darkroom exploring the alchemy that makes traditional photography such a magical process. We will also be going on a field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to visit their Prints and Photographs collections where you will see first-hand, prints made by the masters of the medium. Finally, the workshop will culminate with an exhibition of the work produced by the students that parents and the public will be invited to attend to view.

3D CGI from Game, VR, and Animation

In this one-week, virtual summer program, participants will get a glimpse into how the amazing imagery in today's modern video games, 3D animated films, visual effects/live-action episodic series, and VR/AR experiences are built. Students will learn how to use modern 3D creation tools and a variety of techniques used by artists working throughout the industry today. Lessons will be provided by Drexel faculty with experience in feature film, advertising, and game engine productions. Each day will feature a kick-off and wrap-up meeting, 3 work sessions with dedicated remote support, and guest speakers.