Deadline approaching for Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts: Tuition-Free Program Has Cultivated 8,000+ Artists From All 120 Kentucky Counties

WHAT:  The Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is accepting applications for the class of 2024 through Sunday, Jan. 14.

WHEN: Applications are accepted through Jan. 14, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET/10:59 p.m. CT

WHO: Any current Kentucky high school sophomore or junior

WHERE: Interested students can learn more and apply at www.kentuckygsa.org

DETAILS: The Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is now accepting applications for the class of 2024. Since its inception, the tuition-free immersive arts education program has cultivated more than 8,000 student-artists from across the state, including a Grammy-Award winning vocalist, Tony-nominated actor, Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate and numerous creative leaders and engaged citizens.

Each summer GSA hosts talented high school students from every region of the commonwealth for a three-week, tuition-free immersive residential program on a college campus. During the program, student artists engage in studies across nine art disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Design, Drama, Film + Photography, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre, Visual Art and Vocal Music. This year’s program will be held in two sessions at the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington, Ky, serving over 500 students.

Acceptance to the GSA program is competitive. The application does not ask for GPA or SAT/ACT scores, instead applicants are scored on their creative potential and passion. Completed applications will be considered until Jan. 14, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET/10:59 p.m. CT.

To guide students, families and educators through the application process, GSA will host a series of informational webinars including GSA 101 and “Meet Your Adjudicators.” All webinars are free to attend but registration is required. Each session will also be recorded and made available on the GSA website afterward.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS:

GSA is a public/private partnership inaugurated in 1987 by The Kentucky Center, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and numerous private supporters. Today, the vital funding required to make GSA a reality is provided by the state through the leadership of the Governor’s Office, the General Assembly, and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, as well as The Kentucky Center Endowment Fund, David F. Young and Cheryl Cahill, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and more than 300 corporations, parents, educators, alumni and friends of GSA.

GSA seeks applicants of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, hometown setting, mental and physical health or ability, language, religious belief, political leaning, or cultural background. Translations of our materials are available upon request, and while the GSA application is online, students without access to reliable internet are encouraged to contact the program to discuss accommodations. 

ABOUT KENTUCKY PERFORMING ARTS

Bringing world class performances to Kentucky, connecting artists with the community, and providing arts education opportunities, Kentucky Performing Arts lives its statewide mission of to connect and inspire through the arts. Kentucky Performing Arts has a significant impact on the Commonwealth’s tourism and local economy, contributing more than $15.8 million in an average year with our patrons spending an additional $10.5 million annually.  As an integral member of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, Kentucky Performing Arts, along with the other agencies, seeks to preserve and promote the history, heritage, and arts of the Commonwealth.

Three locations in Louisville make up the family of venues under the Kentucky Performing Arts umbrella:

 The Kentucky Center at 501 W. Main St.

The Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway

Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, 724 Brent St.