Princeton Atelier

The Princeton Atelier is a unique program that brings together professional artists from different disciplines to collaborate on new work. A painter might team up with a composer, a choreographer might join with an electrical engineer, a company of theater artists might engage with environmental scientists, or a poet might connect with a pianist. How do artists who work in different media create art together? How do their different practices, experiences, methods, and assumptions influence each other’s art making? Each Atelier finds entirely new answers to these questions. Each collaboration involves Princeton students as witnesses to the creative process, as participants in the new work and, most importantly, as developing artists in their own rights.

Unlike studio courses in other programs, Atelier courses are one-time events built around the visiting artists’ newest work and current preoccupations. As the artists negotiate their collaborative partnership, they share their expertise and experience with students. Atelier courses typically include reading assignments and creative projects; the day-to-day activities usually include both discussion and “action.” Although Ateliers are process oriented, they almost always culminate in a work-in-progress reading, showing, exhibition, or performance of some kind.

Princeton Atelier courses are open to all students but admission is sometimes determined by application, audition, or portfolio review. At least two Atelier courses are offered each fall and spring, and each Atelier course is cross-listed with another program or department.

Learn more about Princeton Atelier faculty, news, events, & courses.