A Guide to Studying Art in Prague

Studying abroad in Prague:

So, you’re considering studying art abroad in Europe, and you’ve narrowed down your search to Prague as the best option. For me, it certainly was. I arrived in Prague 20 years ago after completing my studies at the Glasgow School of Art. Upon returning to the US, I yearned for a more European way of life. Each of us has our own reasons for such choices. What I’m emphasizing here is that if you’re opting to study art in Prague, you’ll have your own set of pros and cons to weigh. In this article, I’d like to delve into what these are, so you can decide whether Prague is truly the ideal place for your art studies, particularly in painting.

Cost:

Prague is no longer as affordable as it once was. This is a crucial point to address, as finances may be a primary factor influencing your decision to study abroad or relocate to Europe. And you may have heard of how “cheap” Prague is. Over the past few decades, Prague has undergone significant development (though some may argue that skyrocketing inflation is not exactly development). While beer remains remarkably cheap – Czechs often scoff at any beer priced over $3 in a bar – other expenses such as food and housing have seen a sharp rise. Nonetheless, compared to the costs in the US, Prague still offers relatively affordable living. It’s possible to find a single bedroom for less than $800 (utilities included), but the rental market is competitive, and many landlords are hesitant to rent to foreigners. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with your school’s study abroad department to ensure you have the correct visa for legal residence in the country and to rent an apartment legally. At Oko Academy, my intensive courses can be completed within a 3-month tourist visa, allowing you to attend classes while staying in an Airbnb without the hassle of a study abroad visa. Having experienced studying abroad myself, I understand the arduous process involved, and it’s important to work closely with your study abroad office and promptly address all requirements. I’ve seen multiple students have to leave mid-semester due to incomplete paperwork.

Credit:

Are you seeking college credit for your study abroad courses? This is a crucial consideration for obvious reasons. Some schools have partnerships with others. If you’re in the US and considering studying in Prague, the first step is to visit your school’s study abroad office and inquire about any partner schools in the Czech Republic. There’s a complex accreditation process facilitating credit transfers, and one major agency handling this is IFSA. You can explore their programs worldwide through their website or by speaking directly with your study abroad program office. They may not be aware of a partner program in Prague focused on the arts, but with some persistence, you might be able to find your way into an existing one. At Oko Academy, we do not offer college credit for our courses as we are not an accredited institution but rather a small private art school. If you’re seeking accredited programs taught in English in the arts, I recommend looking into UMPRUM, AVU, and Prague City University.

Commercial Success:

Prague boasts numerous galleries but still suffers from a “little village” syndrome. Many Czech artists aspire to gain recognition outside the Czech Republic, with much focus on participating in international art fairs. While Prague hosts numerous galleries, museums, and now even a Kunsthalle, there are only a handful of commercial contemporary art galleries. The stakes aren’t as high as in cities like NYC, LA, or Shanghai, so Prague’s art scene may seem relatively slow-paced to those accustomed to these cities. However, for individuals from mid-sized cities in the US, Prague’s art scene can be incredibly vibrant. As mentioned earlier, there’s considerable institutional support for the arts in Prague, and Czechs make do with limited resources. The city offers a plethora of cultural events in music, theater, dance, and the arts in general. You’ll never lack for things to do. To explore all available options, I recommend visiting artmap.cz. This abundance of cultural activities is fantastic for experiencing different cultures and gaining inspiration. However, due to the limited funding available, which predominantly supports Czech artists, it can be challenging for foreigners to break into these institutions.

Czech Language:

Learning Czech is challenging but not impossible. When I arrived here 20 years ago, I immediately enrolled in an intensive language program at Charles University, available to everyone. It laid the foundation for future learning. Can you get by only knowing English? Yes, many people do for decades. However, it’s not ideal. Even if you plan on staying for a short while, I strongly recommend getting an individual tutor or attending Czech language courses. It enhances casual interactions, as Czechs are quite formal in their language and less casual than Americans, which can be beneficial. Moreover, Czechs are not loud talkers, so speaking loudly on public transport may attract disapproving stares. It’s important to note that I’m referring to the basics of conversational Czech here; the Czech language itself is incredibly complex, and even Czechs struggle with it. Czech is often the most challenging subject in elementary school, and it takes years of commitment to become proficient in the language through weekly study.

English Speaking Programs in Prague

Consistently, the top-rated English-speaking art programs in the country are UMPRUM and AVU. They also allow for credit transfers to most American universities, as far as I’m aware. If you’re considering an international school for a BA or an MA, Prague City University is worth exploring. I mentor and lecture in their master’s program, so if you’re accepted, perhaps we can collaborate! You can find detailed information on their website. The program culminates in an MA degree in Fine Art and covers various mediums, from video and sound to painting and drawing. However, if you’re solely focused on improving your painting and drawing skills without worrying about credit, consider Oko Academy! I’ve developed a program tailored to your artistic goals, focusing on enhancing both your technical abilities and your conceptualization skills. We offer week-long intensives with daily meetings or three-month courses with weekly meetings. We also host open events for the public, so if you’re studying at AVU, drop by for a figure drawing night or another painting or drawing class! Visit the Kontakt page and send me a message for more information.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Prague as either a stepping stone in your artistic career or a long-term home base. It offers numerous opportunities for artists and students seeking to study abroad. Perhaps you’re reading this from a small American city, searching for something entirely different, just as I was. I truly believe Prague won’t disappoint in this regard. It’s a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history, offering a unique experience for artists and students alike.”