The Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts is now accepting applications for the 2026 class. Applications are currently being accepted until Sunday, January 18th at 11:59pm ET/10:59pm CT. Any current Kentucky high school sophomore or junior. Interested students can learn more and apply at www.kentuckygsa.org
The Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 class. The tuition-free immersive arts education program has cultivated 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.
Since 1987, more than 9,000 rising high school juniors and seniors have descended on a college campus setting to immerse themselves in a 3-week arts intensive environment, with cross-discipline learning, special guest performances and lectures, and the opportunity to access critical life-changing college scholarships. Instruction is offered in nine disciplines: Architecture + Design, Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Film+Photography, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre, Visual Art and Vocal Music. This summer, GSA is adding new discipline, Graphic Design.
GSA’s summer program will take place at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) June 7-27, 2026. GSA most recently resided at the University of Kentucky, where it has been presented for the last six years.
Acceptance into 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 Sunday, January 18th at 11:59pm ET/10:59pm CT.
To connect students and families to the ins and outs of GSA, a series of informational webinars are available online. All webinars are free to attend but registration is required. Each session will also be recorded and made available on the GSA website afterward.
GSA 101 provides an overview of the summer program, the application process and alumni benefits.
For more information on the program, webinars and application process, visit www.kentuckygsa.org.
GSA is a public/private partnership inaugurated in 1987 by Kentucky Performing Arts, 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 Performing Arts Endowment Fund, David F. Young and Cheryl Cahill, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and more than 300 corporations, parents, educators, alumni and friends of GSA.
Bringing world class performances to Kentucky, connecting artists with the community, and providing arts education opportunities, Kentucky Performing Arts lives its statewide mission of connecting and inspiring through the arts. Kentucky Performing Arts has a significant impact on the Commonwealth’s tourism and local economy, contributing $26.3 million in an average year, including $15.8 million in direct economic impact 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.
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