WUJS Arts aims to allow young Jewish artists a chance to explore their professional artistic career path, along with their Judaism and their connection to Israel. The program combines many hours of independent time to work on your art, with opportunities to be exposed to artists and art institutions in Israel and take part in the Israeli art scene. Participants on WUJS Arts are able to combine studies in Hebrew language and Israeli Art with their own personal art medium such as visual art, music, photography, writing, performing and more. Integrated into the general WUJS Program, participants take classes within a pluralistic, open-minded environment. Our holistic educational approach incorporates time in the classroom, weekly field trips, overnight hikes, meetings with Israeli peers and artists, volunteer options and a variety of fun and enriching activities. Participants live and study in a warm dynamic environment and are supported by professional and experienced staff.
WUJS Arts does not teach individual artistic skills. Rather participants are given the time and space to develop their own art with the opportunity of an exhibition at the end of the program. Therefore applicants to WUJS Arts should have an artistic background. As part of the application process an artistic portfolio must be sent in addition to the application to demonstrate the necessary skills, initiative and motivation to work independently during your personal creative time.
| Requirements | Arts Tel Aviv | Arts Jerusalem |
| During the first month of the program participants on WUJS Arts are required to take part in an orientation. The orientation includes intensive Hebrew Ulpan and the Key Issues in Israel Seminars. | 2 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Art classes | 1 class a week | 2 classes a week (or 1 field trip) |
| Internship | 2 days a week | none |
| Studios and mentors | none | All visual artists share a studio; other artists will be connected with local Israeli artists and will be given a studio if possible and indicated (no guarantee). Each artist will have an Israeli mentor in their own field |
| Independent art time | &2 days a week + weekends | 4 days a week + weekends |
| Exhibition | Artists will have the opportunity to present their work in an exhibition towards the end of the program | Artists will have the opportunity to present their work in an exhibition towards the end of the program |
| Ulpan | 1 intensive week at the beginning of the program; then twice a week (optional) | 3 intensive weeks at the beginning of the program, and 1 intensive week at the end of the program; twice a week in between (optional) |
| Evening activities | Participants are also free to take advantage of all the other evening options made available by the WUJS staff. | Participants are also free to take advantage of all the other evening options made available by the WUJS staff. |
Who is it right for?
WUJS Arts Jerusalem
WUJS Arts Jerusalem is designed for artists who want more personal art time and opportunities to explore their surroundings as well as the country as a whole. In Jerusalem artists are surrounded by spirituality, history, and a plethora of interesting people from all over the world. Jerusalem is also closer to nature with the scenic landscapes of both the desert and the Jerusalem Hills a short bus ride from your apartment. Additionally, because participants on WUJS Arts Jerusalem have more independent art time, the program provides many occasions for extra-curricular activities and creates an important communal dynamic.
To learn more about the WUJS Arts Jerusalem and to see sample schedule
WUJS Arts Tel Aviv
WUJS Arts Tel Aviv is directed more towards artists who are interested in both the creative and inspirational artistic components and in the business and educational components of the art world. Artists on the Tel Aviv program will intern 2 days a week in one of the numerous artistic institutions in Tel Aviv, be it an art gallery, a dance group, a museum, an art school or any other internship placement that can contribute to their understanding the professional opportunities of their artistic field.
To learn more about the WUJS Arts Tel Aviv and to see an example schedule