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Creative Arts Academy

24

Creative Arts Academy

  • Location
    Joplin, MO
  • Date
    June 9 - 14, 2024

Tickets and Registration

Register

Event Summary

What is Creative Arts Academy?

The goal of Creative Arts Academy is to empower high school students to use their crafts in a way that creates Jesus culture in the world. We hope to inspire a generation of artists who will bring excellence, beauty, and truth to every realm of life. Through training in multiple disciplines, purposeful collaboration with other artists and peers, and in an atmosphere of joy, we believe students will leave as better artists and culture creators.

Note: The photography and illustration tracks have reached capacity and are now closed.

REGISTER TODAY VIEW TRACK DETAILS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why the Creative Arts Academy?

    The goal of the Academy is to empower high school students to use their crafts in a way that creates Jesus culture in the world. We hope to inspire a generation of artists who will bring excellence, beauty, and truth to every realm of life. Through training in multiple disciplines, purposeful collaboration with other artists and peers, and in an atmosphere of joy, we believe students will leave as better artists and culture creators.

  • Who may enroll?

    Students entering high school through those who have just graduated from high school may attend the Academy. Registration requires a completed application and payment of registration fee. Tuition assistance is available. Contact us for more details.

  • Who will lead and teach at the academy?

    The Academy is led by Matt Stafford, Director of Worship and Creative Arts at OCC, Destiny Smith, Program Administrator, and Sammy Snow, Music Track Administrator. They are joined by 30+ artists, worship leaders and professionals who work with students in classrooms, rehearsal rooms, computer labs, studios, and production facilities on campus. OCC students also serve as facilitators and lab assistants.

  • What will a typical day at the academy look like?

    After breakfast in OCC’s Dining Hall, students will meet for a brief time of worship and devotional reflection. The morning will include instruction and rehearsal with artist mentors. In the afternoon, students will have more instruction, rehearsal, elective courses, and rest.


    After dinner, we’ll gather again for a time of worship featuring a keynote speaker and a variety of performing artists. The evening will conclude with community groups and late-night activities, including open mic, comedy improv, and artist performances.

  • What kind of instruction will I receive?

    Instrumentalists and vocalists will have both group rehearsals and private lessons. Students in other tracks will work with professional artists directly for 20 hours during the week and will also have lab time facilitated by our college student staff.


    VIEW TRACK DETAILS

  • What is the 2024 CAA theme?

    2024 Theme — The Heart of God

    The Bible reveals that God is an artist. From the opening pages of scripture, “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” to its final chapters, “and I saw a new heaven and a new earth” God is revealed as creator and artist of all things true, beautiful and good.


    The ancient songs of the psalmist tell us that “The heavens are the work of his fingertips. He set the moon and the stars in their places (Psalm 8:3)” and “In his hands are the depths of the earth and the peaks of the mountains. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land” (Psalm 95:4, 5). What’s more, Genesis 1:26 tells us that God has formed us in his image, to reflect his divine nature and to share his heart for the world he made.


    Our aim during the week of the Creative Arts Academy is to get to know the heart of God. The heart of God is no secret. He has made it known through the world he created. He has spoken of it in the Holy Scriptures. And he has made his heart known through Jesus Christ, who is the fullness of the invisible God.


    Each day of the Creative Arts Academy, we will look to the Psalms and other scriptures that reveal these various aspects of the heart of God.


    Day 1: The heart of an artist (Psalm 8) 
    Day 2: The heart of a farmer (Psalm 1, 80, 126)
    Day 3: The heart of a shepherd (Psalm 23) 
    Day 4: The heart of a warrior (Psalm 18)
    Day 5: The heart of a king (Psalm 45)

  • What are the accommodations?

    Students will stay in the college residence halls under the supervision of residence directors and summer college staff. Meals will be provided in the dining hall. Access to residence halls is controlled by key cards provided to each student. Students will be in the halls immediately after the final evening events conclude.

  • What performance opportunities are available?

    During the week, students have an opportunity to perform at our “open mic” event. The week will conclude with a Friday afternoon worship event at 4:00 p.m., showcasing the work of all the students. Parents, friends, and members of the community are invited to attend Friday’s event.

  • What about sponsors?

    Creative Arts Academy has a unique attendance trend in which many of our students attend solo, without a youth group and without knowing anyone else!


    Because of this, sponsor attendance fluctuates from year to year. The registration cost for sponsors covers a  stay on campus 6/9-6/14 in a dorm hall and meals provided by the dining hall on campus that you can enjoy with students. Sponsors will only be able to attend the academy after completing OCC’s required steps to interact with minors.


    Completion of the following steps are required for anyone coming into contact with minors at Creative Arts Academy (Instructions are provided by OCC upon registration):  


    · Pass a background check 
    · Provide and pass 2 Reference checks
    · MinistrySafe Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training


    We reach out to sponsors individually upon registration to touch base and clarify expectations coming into the academy. We have a personalized approach to sponsorships at our academy, allowing individuals to define their roles based on their preferences and goals for the week. This flexibility can be beneficial for both the sponsors and the participants, ensuring that responsibilities align with individual preferences.

  • Are there any discounts?

    Discounts are available to siblings attending the camp, groups, sponsors who also bring students, immediate family members of OCC staff.


    Tuition assistance applications are available.


    Please contact Destiny Smith at [email protected] or 417.680.5608 for more details concerning discounts.


    Questions regarding the Creative Arts Academy? Please contact Event Coordinator Destiny Smith at [email protected] or 417.680.5608.