Fine Arts Festival

Choral Auditions Due: December 1, 2026
Instrumental, Scholarship and ARTS Due: December 1, 2026

Every year, the Department of Music at Southwestern Adventist University has the pleasure of hosting an exclusive festival for high school and academy musicians. The festival features a variety of opportunities for instrumentalists and vocalists, including the opportunity to perform in a world premiere at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.

In addition to the festival ensembles, elite musicians have the opportunity to audition for a chance to win a music scholarship. Students who audition have the chance of being selected as a scholarship finalist, the opportunity to perform in a showcase recital, and will be reimbursed for their transportation, food, and lodging.

Every year, the Festival continues its tradition of bringing both musical masterworks and new music to the stage. The Southwestern Music Festival has featured artists such as Eriks Esenvalds, Kim Andre Arnesen, Craig Courtney, American composer Brandon A. Boyd, Elain Hagenberg, Philip Stopford, and Jamey Ray.

View Images from last year's festival.

 

2027 Theme: Wisdom

The Meyerson Art Festival invites students to explore one of the most profound and timeless themes: wisdom. In a world overflowing with information, students are challenged to ask a deeper question: what does it truly mean to be wise?

Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of knowledge. History and experience show that a person may possess great learning yet lack discernment, clarity, and a true understanding of the fullness of living. At the same time, there are those with deep knowledge who demonstrate depth of understanding, thoughtfulness, and insight that reflect true wisdom. How can this be? What is the difference between them?

This year’s exhibition encourages students to reflect on this distinction and to give it visual form. How does wisdom look? Is it found in quiet restraint, in the courage to act, in the humility to listen, or in something greater than oneself?

The Bible offers a rich and poetic portrayal of wisdom. It is often personified as a woman calling out in the streets, inviting all to learn, guiding those who seek truth. Wisdom is not hidden; it is active, relational, and deeply connected to righteous living. Scripture reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” pointing to a foundation not rooted in intellect alone, but in reverence, awe, and a right relationship with God.

As an artist, consider not only what wisdom looks like, but how it feels. Does it resemble the constellations that have guided travelers through the darkness for centuries? Does it echo the rings of an ancient tree, each layer bearing witness to seasons of growth, hardship, and renewal? Is it fragile like glass, enduring like stone, or alive like a seed that quietly transforms the earth beneath it?

Your artwork may be abstract or representational, symbolic or narrative. Let every choice: the design, composition, movement, texture, and use of light and color - serve a purpose. Allow your creative process to become a conversation with the question itself: What is wisdom, and how does it shape a life well lived?

Rather than offering simple answers, let your work invite reflection. Create a piece that lingers in the mind, awakens curiosity, and reminds us that wisdom is not measured by the amount we know, but by the depth with which we see, discern, love, and live.

Art Submission Guidelines

To ensure a smooth and meaningful exhibition, all students artists are asked to follow these guidelines when preparing and submitting their work.

• Original work: bring the physical artwork to be displayed at Myerson
• Mediums accepted: students may use a wide range of Media including: acrylic, pastel, charcoal, pencil, watercolor, or mixed medium
• Surface: Artwork may be created on canvas, board or paper.
• Size Limit: To ensure ease of transportation and display, artwork should not exceed 18 x 24 inches. Smaller works are welcome.
• Transport Consideration: Students should ensure their work is secure, dry, and protected for safe transport.
• Labeling: Each artwork must have the student’s name clearly labeled on the back.

Artist Description (Required)

Each submission must include a typed artist statement attached or submitted alongside the artwork. This description should include:

• Title of the Artwork
• Student’s Full Name
• Photograph of the Student (headshot preferred)
• Size of the Artwork (in inches)
• Medium Used (e.g., acrylic, charcoal, mixed media, etc.)
• Surface (canvas or paper, with any relevant detail)

Written Reflection (1 paragraph or more)

Students should thoughtfully explain:

• Why they chose their subject in relation to the theme wisdom
• How they interpreted the idea that wisdom is different from knowledge
• Their artistic choices (color, composition, symbolism, style, etc.)
• What message or insight they hope viewers will take from

Extra consideration

Creativity and depth of thought are strongly encouraged, this is not just about technical skill, but meaningful expression. Students are encouraged to reflect on poetical, philosophical, and personal dimensions of wisdom in their work.

Details on the submission method and deadline are not yet finalized. Please check back for updates.

Each year, the Department of Music at Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to elite musicians. Music Festival Scholarships are awarded to talented high school juniors and seniors selected by faculty from the Department of Music. The faculty selects a number of students from submitted auditions to be scholarship finalists.

Scholarship finalists are featured as soloists at Southwestern Adventist University’s Festival Showcase Concert and are eligible for a scholarship toward their first year of study at SWAU. Southwestern Adventist University covers travel, food, and on-campus lodging costs for each student finalist.
 

How do I apply for a Festival Scholarship?

Applicants for a Festival Scholarship must submit high-definition, landscape video recordings of their audition pieces. Please submit "Public" or "Unlisted" YouTube links only.

Music Scholarship Requirements for Vocalists and Instrumentalists

Submit your application
 

*Scholarship applicants looking to participate in the music festival must also submit an Ensemble Application separately.*