GSA to remain at Wesleyan through 2030
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BUCKHANNON -- The West Virginia Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) will remain at West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) through 2030, officials said.
The College announced that it will “continue to inspire the state's next generation of artists” after being selected to host the West Virginia Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) for another three-year cycle, extending the partnership through 2030.
The GSA, which WVWC refers to as a “transformative, free-of-charge program,” invites current high school sophomores interested in expanding their artistic talents and experiences in digital art/media, creative writing, dance, instrumental music, studio art, theatre arts and vocal music to apply. Auditions and portfolios are reviewed for admittance, and the state covers the costs of the program.
"We are thrilled and honored that we have been trusted with another three years of this amazing program,” WVWC President Dr. James Moore said in a press release announcing the continued partnership. “This college has always been one that's valued the arts, and it's what brought me here in 2006 as a young faculty member. We see the value in these students and know that they need to be supported by an institution that understands that the contributions of artists are among the most valuable to society. West Virginia Wesleyan College is most certainly that place."
The college first hosted GSA from 2014 through 2016, before it returned in 2024 for a three-year cycle. WVWC said in its release that this announcement marks a continued partnership between the college and one of the state's premier educational enrichment programs for talented young artists.
Former West Virginia Governor Gaston Caperton established the GSA in 1994, according to the West Virginia Department of Education. The first GSA took place at Fairmont State University, housing 63 accomplished and growing young artists studying dance, instrumental music, theater and the visual arts.
In 1998, the GSA broadened the curriculum to include vocal music, with creative writing added to the curriculum in 2003 and digital media in 2008. Previous hosts of the GSA also include Marshall University, West Liberty University and Davis & Elkins College.
“The announcement comes at a time when West Virginia Wesleyan College continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to the creative and performing arts,” the WVWC release states. “This fall, WVWC will welcome approximately 60 students in creative and performing arts, including several who attended the Governor's School for the Arts in 2024. Overall, WVWC has welcomed more than 160 creative artists across the last three incoming cohorts, and 11% of students study creative arts.”
Sophomores can apply to GSA at govschools.wv.gov once applications are open in the 2026-2027 academic year. WVWC stated that those interested should stay tuned for announcements.