GSA is back on campus, inspiring young artists

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 13, 2024) — The Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) kicks off its 37th class this week. Hosted by the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts, more than 500 young artists will be on campus for two consecutive three-week sessions (session 1: June 9-June 29; session 2: July 7-July 27).

“I am excited and thrilled about the transformation that is about to take place within the four walls of GSA on the University of Kentucky’s campus,” said Jason Brooks, GSA director. “We know of the power and the privilege we have in our hands to be able to help these young artists.”

GSA brings student artists from all regions of the state together on UK’s campus for an immersive program of daily seminars, workshops, creative projects, master classes and lectures. Instruction is offered in nine disciplines: design; creative writing; dance; drama; film and photography; instrumental music; musical theater; visual art; and vocal music. 

The GSA faculty are master artists and educators, including many UK alumni. Nationally and internationally acclaimed, these artists are chosen for their skills as educators, personal artistic development and their ability to act as positive role models for young artists. GSA faculty act as mentors to the students, providing insights into the professional world of the arts, art careers and advanced arts education and training.

“We have a plethora of guest artists, practicing artists and faculty from all over the country,” said Brooks. “They will entertain as well as interact with students in the peer support learning element of the program.”

To learn more about the program, including ways you can support GSA’s mission, visit https://kentuckygsa.org or the Kentucky Performing Arts website.

About GSA

GSA is a public/private partnership established in 1987 by the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts (now 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 and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, as well as the Kentucky Performing Arts Foundation, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and more than 300 corporations, parents, educators, alumni and friends of GSA. 

About the UK College of Fine Arts

The University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts offers Kentucky’s broadest collection of visual and performing arts academic programs with four academic units. The college also is home to the Singletary Center for the Arts and the UK Art Museum. The College of Fine Arts declares that the arts are essential to the life of the individual and the community and expresses commitment to the arts through dedication to teaching, scholarly research, artistic experimentation, performance, outreach and exhibition. 

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 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. 

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.