Certificate in Professional Practice 2026
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Introducing the League’s Certificate in Professional Practice
The Art Students League of New York’s Professional Practice certificate is a nine-month program designed for serious professional artists who wish to build the skills and community needed to support an individually designed, and sustainable studio practice in the arts.
This colloquium led by artist and Springs Projects co-founder TOMMY WHITE will serve as the anchor of the program. Tommy will act as mentor, coach, and curator to help each artist make connections and begin to take the needed steps toward a sustainable practice. At the end of the program, artists will build a five-year plan with actionable, achievable steps.
Topics covered include:
· Building business skills (accounting, taxes, pricing work, archiving and estate planning)
· Creating opportunities (exhibitions, residencies, grants)
· Preparing exhibitions
· Marketing your work (especially on social media)
· Finding a community
· Conducting studio visits
In addition to the colloquium, participants will attend short-term workshops focused on specific topics related to the marketing and business of art, which are led by leaders in the field, and will also be open to artists outside the program.
Additionally, our day-long intensive symposiums are a chance to network with thoughtleaders, and build community with other professional artists. Programs will address issues critical to how artists survive.
This is a part-time, but intensive program that requires a minimum commitment of 7 hours per week, the majority of which will be spent on-site in the Art Students League historic studios at 215 W 57th Street.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Curriculum Vitae/Artist Resume
- Statement of Intent
- Artist Statement
- Artist Portfolio (15-20 examples of original artwork. Include no more than 3 details.)
- Video works: 1 minute = 1 image
- File size should not exceed 2MB
Eligibility & Requirements
Statement of Intent and C.V.
A Statement of Intent describes your reason for pursuing the Professional Practice Certificate with the Art Students League. You are encouraged to include information about yourself, your creative practice, and your ambitions for your practice, as well as any relevant information that may not be immediately apparent from a review of your portfolio and application. A Curriculum Vitae or résumé details your art-related activities and accomplishments.
Artwork Portfolio
Online artwork submission of 20 images (.jpg, .wmv, .mpg, .mov, .mp4) are required. It is advised that applicants select recent work and include no more than 3 detail images. If submitting video work, one minute of video is equivalent to 1 of the 20 images.
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $50 is due upon submission.
Language Proficiency
English language proficiency is required.
International Students
This program is not authorized for I-20 Certificate of Eligibility issuance. Students in F-1 status or visiting the United States on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) are not eligible to enroll. Students on Post Completion OPT may wish to contact the League for advising about enrollment in this program.
Other Program Fees in addition to tuition
- $150 Certificate Student Fee per Semester (all certificate students).
(Note: Fees are subject to change without prior notice.)
Applying to the Certificate Program
Fall 2026 Application Deadlines:
- The Fall 2026 Semester begins September 8, 2026.
- Professional Practice Certificate Program candidates may submit the application no later than August 15, 2026. The application must be complete by this date with all supporting documents submitted. Incomplete applications may result in denial or deferred admission.
Certificate Program Advising
Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance and will receive further information about program advising and enrollment.
Non-discrimination
The League is committed to maintaining an atmosphere free from all forms of discrimination or harassing behavior in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and other school administered programs. All students have equal access to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available at the League. Both League policy and law prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, race, color, disability, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or sex. All students meeting the eligibility requirements who have submitted an application in accordance with the instructions above will be considered.