A college and portfolio prep program for high school students.
Future BFA is the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s (AAC) portfolio and college prep program for rising High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual art, design, or creative writing in college. For three weeks in July, students from across the country assemble on campus in the historic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, Ohio. During the Future BFA program, students take college-level courses inspired by the First Year Experience at the AAC. As a result, FBFA students produce artwork, design, and creatively write and develop their portfolios. In addition, FBFA Students grow in their understanding of themselves and their practice as an Artist and form long-lasting friendships with like-minded peers.
The Art Academy of Cincinnati has the resources needed for student success, including student studios, state-of-the-art shops and labs, and collaborative centers for making art and making friends. With a course schedule that blends conceptual topics and technical skills, FBFA students learn in a studio-based environment and enjoy the freedom of independence as they choose the ideas, subjects, and world lens they wish to explore within their portfolio. In addition, program critiques, field trips, and celebrations act as milestones and keep students on track for success as they work to build on their talents and skills one art piece at a time.
Parking pass availible upon request for $100
Housing cost of $560 is included in this price.
Important Dates
Registration Opens | October 1st 2022
Early Scholarship Application Deadline | March 1st 2023
Regular Scholarship Application Deadline | May 1st 2023
Program Dates | July 9th – July 29th, 2023
Student Orientation & Residential Move-In | July 9th, 2023
Course Dates | July 10th – July 28th, 2023
End of Program Exhibition | July 28th, 2023
Residential Move Out Date | July 29th, 2023
Classes Occur 9 am – 4 pm Monday – Friday
Studio Time is 4 pm – 10 pm Weekdays and 9 am – 10 pm on Weekends
Students can choose to be a residential student or commuting student. Residential accommodations are located in AAC’s loft-style dorm rooms that include the latest modern amenities for student living, located across the main campus on Jackson Street. The residence hall is monitored 24/7 by trained Residential Advisors and Security. The main campus is open to all Future BFA students during evening and weekend hours for studio and lab use.
Residential students should plan to bring funds for their meal expenses, such as grocery shopping, or dining out. Dorms are equipped with a refrigerator, a kitchen, and a laundry washer and dryer. Recommended to bring groceries with you on Orientation Day. AAC does not provide meal plans. Some supplies are covered in tuition costs. An additional supply list will be provided after acceptanceinto the program.
Approximate cost: $300
For the 2023 FBFA program no student applications are needed to determine a student’s qualifications for attending. Students registering should be prepared to create a portfolio and complete a rigorous course load of classes in three weeks. Registrations are accepted on a rolling basis which means that the registration is available until the program is filled. It is encouraged to register as early as possible to ensure a spot in the program.
Registration begins October 1st, 2022 and will be open until the program is filled. To register a $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration which is taken off the total cost due. Full student payment for the program is due by July 1st, 2023
If the cost of the FBFA program is a barrier for participation, please complete a scholarship application. Scholarships are awarded based on need and merit and are assigned to students through a review of their qualifications, and at the discretion of funds available.
Early Scholarship Application Deadline is March 1st, 2023
Regular Scholarship Application Deadline is May 1st, 2023
If the student registering for Future BFA has been awarded an Honorable Mention, Silver Key, or Gold Key in a Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Award competition, they can use their awarded key to receive a discount off the cost of Tuition. Scholastic Key Discounts cannot be combined, but Scholastic Key Discounts can be combined with a Scholarship Application award. To use this discount, please reach out to engagement@artacademy.edu with a photo or notice of your award.
Scholastic Awards Discount | $200 Off Tuition