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Welcome to Associates Encores

View recording policy frequently asked questions for:
Most programs / Studio Arts / Smithsonian Summer Adventures

Registered for a Smithsonian Associates online program but missed it because of a schedule conflict? Wish you could take a second look at a presentation you loved? Associates Encores offers the answer to these questions—and more.

Here's your guide to making the most of your access to recordings of Smithsonian Associates online programs.


  1. Are Smithsonian Associates live-streamed programs recorded for later viewing?
    Many—but not all—live-streamed programs are recorded. We understand it's not always possible to watch a program in real time, and as a courtesy to ticket buyers we are glad to make recordings available within 24 hours after the program has taken place. The recordings can be viewed for up to three days (72 hours) after they become available.
  2. How long are recordings available to view?
    You have access to view a recording for up to three days (72 hours) once it becomes available.
  3. I'm interested in registering for a multi-session course or a series of programs. When will each session be available?
    For multi-session courses and series, recordings are available within 24 hours after each individual session has taken place.
  4. I'm interested in a program I won't be able to view when it streams live. How do I know when the recording is available, and how do I watch it?

    Register for your program in advance of the live air date as you normally would. Once you've registered, it will appear on your personal program page, where you can join the session live or watch the recording once it becomes available.

  5. I missed a program I wanted to view and did not register in advance. Can I still get a recording?
    The only way to ensure that you never miss a program is to register and buy your tickets in advance. Due to the volume of programs produced by Smithsonian Associates, recordings are available only for a brief time after the program date.
  6. Can I share a recording with a friend?
    Recordings can only be viewed by using the account tied to the ticket-buying registrant's email address. Recordings may not be forwarded to any other email address.
These policies on access to recordings do not apply to Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts classes or Smithsonian Summer Adventures.

Studio Arts Recording Policy

Most Studio Arts classes are recorded. Each online class description indicates its recording status.

Registrants receive a link and password to access recordings via DropBox one week before an individual class or the first session of a course in an email with the subject line Zoom Link and Recording Info. Students do not require their own DropBox account to access the recordings.

Class recordings are made available as a courtesy to enrolled students within 72 hours of the individual class session(s) ending. Recordings are available for one week after the last day of the course/workshop and are not downloadable or shareable.

Occasionally, technical difficulties may prevent classes from being recorded. The absence of a recording does not entitle registrants to a credit or refund from Smithsonian Associates.

Smithsonian Summer Adventures Recording Policy

Smithsonian Summer Adventures sessions are not available for viewing after the program has ended.