Chickasaw Arts Academy

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Program Overview

Aspiring young artists are immersed in an exploration of various artistic fields, career preparatory programming and student-oriented skill development. The academy provides an opportunity for students to learn about contemporary and traditional Chickasaw and Southeastern First American art in a variety of mediums that inspires exploration of the artistic process in writing, performing and visual arts.

Applicants must be a Chickasaw youth, dependent of a Chickasaw citizen or a previous attendee.

Who Can Apply

  • Chickasaw youth
  • Dependents of Chickasaw citizens
  • Previous attendees
  • STAR program applicants must be between the ages of 8-10 on the day academy begins
  • Intermediate program applicants must be between the ages of 11-13 on the day academy begins
  • Majors program applicants must be 14-18. Applicants who turn 14 on the day the academy begins are permitted to apply. Applicants who are 18 by the application deadline but turn 19 before the academy begins are also permitted to apply

Application Dates

  • March 2-April 15

Documents You Will Need

  • Completed application
  • Consent form, once accepted into the academy

Applications

Spring Breakout Student Application

Unique Opportunities Available

Different Academy Throughout the Year

These opportunities emphasize Chickasaw and other Southeastern Native American cultures and tribal aesthetics through performing and visual arts. Students are immersed in an exploration of various artistic fields, career preparatory programming and student-oriented skill development, and cultural enrichment.

Summer Arts Academy
Tailored for aspiring artists, participants are presented opportunities in:
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Fashion design
  • Culinary art
  • Digital art
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Technical theater
  • Performance theater
  • Ceramics
  • Metalsmithing
  • Weaving
  • Beadwork
  • Video production
  • Other subjects


All arts academy sessions take place at East Central University (ECU) in Ada, Oklahoma.

Chickasaw Arts Academy Spring Breakout

Chickasaw Arts Academy Spring Breakout (ages 14-18) is a one-week immersive art academy. Participants are encouraged to stay overnight at the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Students gain experience in their choice of a variety of artistic mediums.

Registration opens in late winter. Transportation is not provided.

Contact Us

Phone: (580) 272-5520

Other Programs You May Be Interested In

Chickasaw Nation Residents Chickasaws At‑Large
This arts program teaches youth design, ceramics, paints and prints over the course of four consecutive weeks.
Chickasaw Nation Residents
The Chickasaw Young Artist Studio provides students ages 12-18 with resources in varied art media and studio time with credentialed teachers. Participants will have opportunities for competition, portfolio enrichment and mentorship.
Chickasaw Nation Residents Chickasaws At‑Large
The Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM) provides a marketplace where adult and youth artists from federally recognized Southeastern tribes can exhibit and sell their work. An annual competition takes place during the market. To learn more about SEASAM, visit SEASAM.net. Must be a member of a federally recognized Southeastern tribe. Additional eligibility requirements may apply.