Applications for the Midwest Artist Academy's (MAA) inaugural summer edition, to be held from July 11 to 18, 2021, are now being accepted. Founded by writer and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professor B.J. Hollars, the Midwest Artist Academy is a transformative, precollege experience for young artists ages 14 to 17. “The Midwest Artist Academy was founded on the idea that young artists deserve a place to call home,” Hollars explains. “Together, we’ll create a safe, collaborative and inclusive space that allows young artists to thrive.”

This week-long integrated arts experience will offer courses in five disciplines: creative writing; theatre; dance; visual art; and music and composition. Each course will be capped at 10 participants, thereby ensuring that each participant can receive individual attention with world-renowned instructors and artists.

Beyond the courses themselves, participants will also collaborate around a shared theme: E[art]h. This theme will challenge participants to consider how art can enhance our lives and save our planet. Participants will cap off the week by showcasing their interdisciplinary work at Eau Claire’s prestigious arts center, Pablo Center at the Confluence.

MAA instructor and visual artist Jo Ellen Burke is particularly interested in the collaborative opportunity unique to this program. “I hope that students can engage in collaboration as they focus on creative approaches to the power of art in our lives,” shares Burke.

Cost: $650. The all-inclusive fee covers seven nights of dual lodging on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus, meals, extracurricular activities, art supplies, course work and instruction. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit MidwestArtistAcademy.org/apply. To learn more about how you can support a student this summer, email [email protected].