LOUISVILLE, KY. (May 27, 2026) – The Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) has announced its 2026 class, marking the 39th year the program has been welcoming student artists from across the Commonwealth.
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 artist performances and lectures, and the opportunity to access critical life-changing college scholarships.
The 2026 class will include 276 students from 59 different counties and be held at Northern Kentucky University June 7-27, 2026. GSA most recently resided at the University of Kentucky, where it has been presented for the last four years.
During the program, 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.
Participating from Adair County is:
Hannah Koetter of Adair County High School for Drama
Zabastian Webb of Adair County High School for Vocal Music
“GSA exists to make sure that talent, not zip code, not resources, not circumstance, is what determines a young artist's path.” said Jason Brooks, director of GSA. “The Class of 2026 represents the best of what Kentucky has to offer, and we're proud to give them three weeks that can genuinely change the trajectory of their lives.”
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS:
GSA is a public/private partnership inaugurated in 1987 by The Kentucky Center, 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 Center Endowment Fund, David F. Young and Cheryl Cahill, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and more than 300 corporations, parents, educators, alumni and friends of GSA.
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.
