The University has a gap in their academic offerings, and a studio arts program could diversify and financially benefit the Point Park community. Although the Conservatory of Performing Arts offers a rich series of opportunities for individuals, a studio arts program would expand upon our existing degree programs and make the university more appealing to more potential students.
After the closure of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and lack of output for students growing with their artistic practices, downtown Pittsburgh has an education of the Arts sized hole. Drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics could all be future programs supported by Point Park’s professional connections and alumni network.
The reputation of the university can only grow if more students are drawn to the school. According to the Arts Education Navigator, arts education improves academic skills and advances students’ motivation to learn. However, a potential studio arts program should exist within its own school, and not within COPA in order to create a more economically accessible and approachable program. The Animation major could move from COPA into the new studio arts program, to be considerate of the artistic demands and overlaps in the industry.
From Forbes, the average cost to attend a four year college full-time has increased 180% since 1980. There has been an average 1.7% decrease for private non-profit four-year schools, which can be attributed to pandemic tuition freezes. Point Park has not participated in pandemic tuition freezes, with 2024-2025 tuition rates increasing by nearly 4%, as The Globe previously reported.
If a studio arts program was an option for prospective students, then it could additionally develop into a graduate program where students could learn and live in the 36 Best Place to Live, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
The push for athletics and heavy sports involvement at Point Park should be met with balance. The majority of feedback personally heard about molding the reputation of the University already as an Arts school into an athlete-centered college seems odd and ill-suited. Our athletic students do deserve to be much-less isolated and more celebrated amongst the entire student body. However, Point Park is not a public nor D1 college. Students are attracted to this University because of its eclectic, inclusive, and urban nature; not because of how often they can watch their college’s football team – especially since we do not have one.
If the idea of a studio arts school is brought to life, empty city buildings or underutilized classrooms, such as the upper floors of West Penn Hall, could at least be a temporary space for studio equipment and instruction spaces.
The option of a minor in studio arts would be of advantage for graphic and interactive design and photography majors at Point Park who already require illustration or visual media courses to improve their skills. The openness to free-range, taught creativity could result in an increase in artistic student showcases, award-winning exhibitions, and a myriad of opportunities for students.