Through movies, we are moved by the stories of young people who overcome unimaginable adversity and find a path to greatness by pursuing their dreams. Remember the movie Rudy where ‘Rudy’ Rüttiger eventually made the Notre Dame football team; when Akeelah made National Spelling Bee in Akeelah and the Bee; or when Maggie literally fought his way up to the WBA in Million Dollar Baby? What do these films all have in common? passionate protagonists, teachers who believe in them and their abilities, and resilience learned at every step in fierce competition.
What if I shared that these stories don’t just happen in movies? That stories of over 500 young people on their way to a bright future are right on our doorstep? I know because I was one of those young people when I had my defining moment when I opened the letter that said, “Congratulations, you’ve been accepted into the inaugural class of the Governor’s School for the Arts.”
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That was 1987, and for 35 years, the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts has been a beacon for the future of Kentucky’s creative leadership. More than 7,200 aspiring high school juniors and seniors have now had the opportunity to explore beyond their classrooms a world of young performers with similar hopes and dreams, all born of the grand vision of Kentucky political leaders in partnership with Kentucky Performing Arts. These students are surrounded by other top performers and entering this program is very competitive. Once there, they are surrounded by a support system of teachers and students that inspires each participant to look beyond their own limitations and see a future of untold possibilities.
Every summer since 1987, the GSA has brought students to a college campus for three weeks to study their chosen art form. Over time, today’s GSA students study in one of nine disciplines: Architecture + Design, Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Film + Photography, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre, Fine Arts and Vocal Music. Here they are exposed to world-class professional artists and teachers, and learn equally important lessons from one another. They build confidence in their talents and begin to see a bigger world for their big dreams.
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This option is 100% free of charge. The program relies on the continued support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and other public and private contributions. Those who have experienced the program or known a graduate understand its lasting impact on the individual student, as well as on the artistic landscape and the economy.
Kentucky has a rich and distinguished artistic and cultural history that serves as an economic engine. In 2020, artists in Kentucky made up 2.4% of the Kentucky workforce. They added $5.6 billion to the Kentucky economy and collectively earned $2.8 billion. One way to ensure the continued existence of the economic engine is to invest in its future. Many GSA graduates achieve great success at the highest levels of the arts. More than that, pursue many different areas outside of art. Our ranks include a United States Department of State official, entrepreneurs, neurosurgeons, attorneys, business executives and more. GSA alumni will help our state and society thrive – by supporting creative culture throughout bluegrass and beyond.
This year is also a special year for the GSA. Funding from the CARES Act has doubled GSA’s class size to more than 500 students. From this summer through the summer of 2024, more students across Kentucky will have this opportunity. The needs, desires and talents among students across the Commonwealweal have always been greater than we could accommodate. But now, in the 35th year of the GSA, we can begin to close that gap.
Thirty-five years into my GSA experience, I am proud to be an alumna and continue to be a donor and supporter of the program that transformed my life. If you are interested in young people, creativity and future leadership, I strongly encourage you to learn more about the GSA. At GSA you will find many real life stories and inspirational young artists. Come join us… be moved!
Visit kentuckygsa.org to learn more about the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts and how you can help foster and support the future of creative leadership.
Kim Baker is President and CEO of Kentucky Performing Arts and a graduate of the Governor’s School for the Arts, Class of 1987, Instrumental Music.