Encouraging creativity, nurturing talent, and providing opportunities for unlimited student expression — these are essential to igniting the spark of genius in every child and integral to a Dwight education.
The Arts Are Vital to Every Student's Journey
The arts play a major role in our students’ IB education from the very beginning. Students start with exposure to the fundamentals in Preschool and Kindergarten, and continue with increasingly deeper learning in history, theory, and technique through grade 12. They explore different genres, master skills, and develop their passions in the visual and performing arts, while having numerous opportunities to showcase their talents and learning through exhibitions, concerts, Scene Nights, performances, showcases, and more. Whether students are aspiring artists, filmmakers, musicians, composers, actors, or directors, they are in good company; our alumni include Truman Capote, Roy Lichtenstein, Hal Prince, Vin Diesel, Antonio Campos, Julian Casablancas and Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes, Yara Shahidi, Patrick Murney, and many other accomplished creative professionals.
Arts
Students Share Artistry in World-Class Venues
Dwight students exhibit their artworks and show their films on campus, and in festivals and competitions throughout the year. They also have multiple opportunities to perform in iconic spaces, including Symphony Space, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and off-Broadway theaters. Our own Performing Arts Center (PAC) features a black-box theater with professional theatrical LED fixtures and a state-of-the-art music recording studio. It's also home to our very own student music label, 566 Records.
Arts in a Global Context and Throughout New York City
Dwight leads the way in teaching the arts within a global context. Students are exposed to artistic traditions and aesthetic expressions of other cultures and learn how to appreciate works of art as discerning observers, listeners, and performers.
New York City is also one of the world’s leading cultural hubs and students have the opportunity to visit a wide range of galleries, museums, studios, theaters, and more.
Home to a Museum-Quality Art Collection
Dwight’s campus is home to over 200 pieces of art, including Goya etchings, Audubon prints, Thibetan thangkas, antique maps, and much more. This offers an enriching, stimulating learning environment and inspires our students’ creativity.
OUR FACULTY ARE PROFESSIONAL WORKING ARTISTS
Teachers ignite the creative spark of genius in every child and customize the IB arts journey for each student based on their passions and talents. Members of the arts faculty are working professionals, whose artistry has been showcased in some of the most prestigious venues, collaborations, and festivals in New York City and around the world.
Dwight’s teachers are constantly evolving their own craft, bringing their inspiration from the professional world into the classroom and after-school programs. They also bring students into professional spaces for real-world experiences and master classes.
