Friday, November 6th, 2026 | 9am-1pm
Clay Community Center (3400 Indian Mound Dr, Mt. Sterling, KY)
Explore your future in the arts! The 4th Annual EKY Visual & Performing Arts College Fair brings together colleges and universities with programs in music, theatre, dance, visual art, literary, film, and other creative fields, giving prospective students the opportunity to connect directly with representatives and learn more about pursuing the arts after high school. Whether you are a student exploring your options or a college or university looking to connect with the next generation of artists, you’ll find everything you need to know below.
Students & School Groups
Event Details
Date: Friday, November 6th
Time: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Location: Clay Community Center
3400 Indian Mound Dr.
Mt. Sterling, KY
Parking: The venue has a private parking lot with free parking available to all fair attendees. Both personal vehicles and school buses are welcome.
Registration: Registration is free, but required.
School Group Registration Deadline: October 30th, 11:59pm
Individual Registration: November 4th, 11:59pm
Find Your Next Step in the Arts
Choosing a college is a big decision, especially when you’re looking for the right place to grow as an artist. The EKY Visual & Performing Arts College Fair gives students and families the opportunity to meet representatives from colleges and universities and explore a variety of fine arts programs all in one place.
Explore fine arts majors, minors, and degree programs
Connect with college representatives from fine arts programs across the region
Get guidance on audition and portfolio requirements
Attend workshops designed to help you prepare for your college journey
Discover scholarship and financial aid opportunities
Get information about admissions requirements and the application process
Explore campus facilities, performance opportunities, ensembles, exhibitions, and student life
Representatives may be attending from multiple departments within the same college or university, so be sure to check out the list of participating institutions and programs at the fair.
Who Should Attend?
The EKY Visual & Performing Arts is designed for high school students considering continuing their education in the arts, as well as their parents, guardians, teachers, and counselors. Whether you already know exactly what you want to study or are just beginning to explore your options, you are welcome!
Questions?
Contact Director of Education & Community Programs, Jill Kohr
Email: jill@grackentucky.org
Phone: (859) 938-6448
Exhibitor Event Details
Date: Friday, November 6th
Time: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Exhibitor Check-In & Setup: 8:00AM-8:30AM. Please plan to have your booth fully set up and ready to welcome students by 9:00AM.
Location: Clay Community Center
3400 Indian Mound Dr.
Mt. Sterling, KY
Parking/Unloading: The venue has a private parking lot with free parking available to all exhibitors. Exhibitors may unload materials at the curb in front of the main entrance.
Registration Fee: $30
Registration Deadline: October 23rd, 11:59pm.
1 Registration = 1 Booth
Each booth includes:
One 6-foot table
Two chairs
Internet access
Access to a nearby electrical outlet
Multiple fine arts departments or programs from the same college or university are welcome to share one booth under a single registration.
If your institution would like more than one booth, a separate registration and registration fee is required for each additional booth.
College & University Exhibitors
Lead a Workshop
Want another way to connect with prospective students? Exhibitors also have the opportunity to apply to lead a workshop during the College Fair.
Workshops allow college and university representatives to engage directly with students, share their expertise, and give prospective students a closer look at their area of study.
Workshop topics may include:
Audition or portfolio preparation
Technique and skill-building
Career or degree exploration
Financial aid and scholarships
Hands-on activities or demonstrations
Other topics related to pursuing a fine arts education
Interested exhibitors can apply above. Workshop space is limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
Connect With Future Fine Arts Students
We invite colleges and universities to join us for the EKY Visual & Performing Arts College Fair and connect directly with students interested in pursuing education and careers in the arts.
Students in Eastern Kentucky are often left out of major arts and college recruitment events centered in Lexington, Louisville, and other larger cities. The EKY Visual & Performing Arts College Fair brings those opportunities directly to our region, giving colleges and universities the chance to meet an untapped pool of talented young artists who may not otherwise have the opportunity to connect with their programs.
This is an opportunity to introduce students to educational and career paths they may not have considered, build relationships with schools and arts educators throughout Eastern Kentucky, and discover the incredible creative talent already growing in our region.
Representatives from music, theatre, dance, visual arts, design, arts administration, film and media, and other fine arts programs are encouraged to participate.
Questions?
Contact Director of Education & Community Programs, Jill Kohr
Email: jill@grackentucky.org
Phone: (859) 938-6448
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"The creative industry thrives in Kentucky, playing an important role in building and sustaining the economic vibrancy of the communities in which it can be found. The industry creates jobs for Kentuckians who spend money locally, pay taxes, and contribute to the quality of life where they live. "
2018 Kentucky Creative Industry Report - Kentucky Arts Council
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"Creative industries are underestimated as drivers of economic development. They make for creative places. Creative places attract skilled workers and tourists. Kentucky, through its support of the arts and other creative enterprises, understands this."