The Institute for the Creative Arts is the first Performing & Visual Arts High School in Arkansas. ICA combines a rigorous college preparatory academic program with pre-professional training in the arts including programs in music, theatre, dance, visual art, film, and writing.  The school will specialize in arts programs that are not typically offered in a traditional high school.  Students will be immersed daily in an arts discipline of their choice and spend several hours weekly training and honing their skills. ICA functions as a conservatory-style model in which professional practicing artist-teachers instruct and prepare students for college, a career in the arts, and other professional careers. These highly specialized teachers will serve as mentors to students in our programs.   Private instruction, group classes, ensemble rehearsals, exhibits and performances are all part of this wonderful immersion experience.

No, ICA is an open enrollment tuition-free public charter school and accepts students on a first-come, first-served basis. Any student who has an Arkansas residence may enroll in the Institute. Funding is provided by the state. Even though ICA is specifically designed for students with creative interests, all students are welcome. Students will not be denied access to arts programs due to lack of experience.  Our goal at ICA is to identify and explore the creative talents in each student and develop those talents to the fullest!

The Institute will be housed in the new Arkansas Center for the Creative Arts at 1101 Riverfront Drive, a 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility located on a stunning 10-acre campus on Fort Smith’s beautiful riverfront. The facility, owned by Community School of the Arts, will house ICA along with CSA's arts enrichment programs.

ICA opened in August of 2024.

We welcome the opportunity to take you, your family, and friends on a tour of the new facility!  You can see first-hand where school is going to take place and get a feel for what a state-of-the-art facility is really like.  The Arkansas Center for the Creative Arts is a special place.  Students will love attending school here.  Contact us today and we’ll take you on a personal tour.