Art Programs

  • Music
  • Theatre
  • Visual Arts
  • Film

Arts Overview

At UNIS, the arts are a language we practice to express our true selves and communicate in a creative and unique way. Through the practice of the arts, students gain skills, think differently, spark creativity, and broaden their horizons. Each department celebrates individuality while fostering collaboration and building a strong, supportive community. Our performing and visual arts programs encourage reflection, discussion, focus, and contemplation. By taking risks, students gain problem-solving skills and confidence through experiential learning, opening up new possibilities. By nurturing new ideas, innovation, creativity, and a love for learning, we create a supportive environment where students can truly thrive.  

Rika okamoto (rokamoto@unis.org), director of arts

Rika Okamoto

DIRECTOR OF ARTS

2024 A Festival of Orchestras at Carnegie Hall

2024 Production of Mary Poppins Jr.

2023 Production of Antigone

UNIS students perform at Carnegie Hall
Music

As music is fundamental to human expression, the UNIS Music Department provides students with an environment to explore, experience, perform and enjoy music in relation to themselves, others, and the world around them, past and present.

Students explore how musical traditions from around the world both influence and mirror a host of cultural settings. Through this global setting, students analyze how musical characteristics are shaped by emotions...

Music

Tutorial House students perform Grease
Theatre

The UNIS Theatre Department offers a progressive curriculum that promotes artistic exploration, specialized training, and interdisciplinary exchange to a diverse group of students in grades 3-12. Through hands-on experience and theoretical study, the department provides innovative learning opportunities that integrate theatre with societal change and progress. With an emphasis on both individual, differentiated learning and collaborative experiences, students grow as artists, individuals, and community members.

Theatre

An IB student poses with her artwork at an art showcase
Visual Arts

By studying different artistic traditions, students become aware of the cultural contexts that inform perception and imagination and begin to see their own work in context. Artists, movements, and cultures that are relevant to studio projects and interdisciplinary themes are studied. Museum trips and visits by artists are scheduled when appropriate.
 
Skills in design, drawing, creative process, problem solving, special techniques, and cultural research are structured to enable students to direct their imaginative efforts and learn from tradition. 

Visual Arts

Screenshot of a student created film
Film

As part of the Visual Arts Department, the film program offers opportunities for T1–T4 students to explore filmmaking practice, history, theory, and analysis. The program focuses on creative problem solving through collaborative productions, developing understanding of film textual analysis, studying sociocultural and international contexts of cinema production, examining film theory, and learning film history.

Film