The next session of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is scheduled for May 30-June 12, 2027, on the Springfield campus of Missouri State University.

Missouri high school students interested in attending can apply online starting Oct. 12, 2026. The application portal will be available through Jan. 25, 2027.

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

Let’s “Connect” with the 2027 Academy theme

MFAA’s 2027 theme is “Connect,” according to MFAA Director Dr. Fatih Benzer. He is an associate professor in Missouri State’s Department of Art and Design.

Through a variety of interdisciplinary, discipline-specific and elective courses, MFAA 2027 offers students a chance to improve as emerging artists, Benzer said. “MFAA provides crucial abilities that promote a meaningful learning environment for self-expression, effective communication and multidisciplinary teamwork.”

During the 2027 academy, students will participate in workshops led by skilled artists, Benzer said. They will “learn to investigate how creativity fosters enduring connections driven by imagination and enthusiasm.”

Along with daily workshops, students will attend evening events performed by well-known musicians, creative writers, artists and other performers.

“Join us to build a powerful connection with other young artists who are ready to take on significant challenges to advance their artistic knowledge and abilities,” he said. “Use the visual arts, music, theater, creative writing and dance to help create a common language for expressing your thoughts and feelings.”

About the MFAA application process

Current Missouri high school students 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 150 students for the 2027 program.

Benzer will notify students about their application status by email in February 2027.

Apply to MFAA

About MFAA

As a two-week summer residential program, the Missouri Fine Arts Academy 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. Photo by John Di Fatta/Missouri Fine Arts Academy.