The next session of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is scheduled for June 1-14, 2025 on the Springfield campus of Missouri State University.

Missouri high school students interested in attending can apply online starting Oct. 14, 2024. The application portal will be available through Jan. 31, 2025.

In addition, the Academy is accepting resident assistant and faculty applications.

2025 Academy theme is about the “Journey”

The Academy selected “Journey” as the 2025 theme.

“Let MFAA 2025 be a remarkable journey of self-discovery,” said Dr. Fatih Benzer, MFAA director and associate professor in MSU’s Department of Art and Design. “Join the journey by exploring various forms of art such as music, visual arts, creative writing, dance and theatre to express who you are.”

Benzer said the MFAA format continues to be interdisciplinary. Students can explore a wide range of artistic options.

MFAA students can also enjoy performances by acclaimed artists and musicians throughout the two-week program, he added.

Students will receive guidance and feedback from experienced faculty and staff, Benzer said. “Get ready to be challenged by our outstanding faculty to step outside of your comfort zone while earning college credits.”

About the MFAA application process

Current Missouri high school freshman, sophomores, juniors or seniors may apply to attend MFAA in the following areas of study:

• Visual Arts/Mixed Media (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography and digital art)
• Theatre (acting)
• Dance (modern, ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop)
• Creative Writing (fiction, short story, poetry, playwriting and spoken word)
• Music (vocal or instrumental performance, songwriting, composition and electronic music)

There is no application fee.

Application packets must include a 500-word personal essay describing how involvement in the arts impacts the applicant’s life, a student evaluation from school personnel and a digital portfolio or video performance. More information about specific application criteria and guidelines on how to prepare applications can be found on the MFAA website.

Selection and notification

A selection committee composed of artists and arts educators evaluates all application materials before selecting qualified participants. Benzer estimates the Academy will select 120 students for the 2025 program.

Benzer will notify students about their application status by email in February 2025.

Apply to MFAA

About MFAA

As a two-week summer residential program, MFAA offers an intensive schedule of classes in interdisciplinary and discipline-specific arts and a wide range of co-curricular activities. Geared for highly motivated high school student artists, the program emphasizes visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing and music.

MFAA works with the Missouri State legislature in managing the affordability of the Academy. MFAA covers the full cost of tuition through funding provided by the state and privately supported scholarships.

Artwork by Fatih Benzer. Photos by John Di Fatta/Missouri Fine Arts Academy.