The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, will host the inaugural Arts Across Arkansas state finals at noon, Saturday, April 1, at the Ron Robinson Theater, located at 100 River Market Ave. in Little Rock.

The event will showcase the talent, mastery and skill of young creatives statewide. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Arts Across Arkansas is a pilot program designed to encourage, enhance and expand high school students’ original thoughts, processes, personal experiences and artistic abilities. Teachers across the state nominated over 100 students in six artistic mediums, including dance choreography, film, literary arts, music composition, photography and visual arts.

Artists on the Arts Council’s Arts in Education Roster critiqued student nominees based on artistic excellence. Chosen students were then mentored by roster artists on a final piece of work, which will be exhibited or performed before judges during the state finals. Student winners earn a cash prize of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third in each category.

For a complete list of winners, please visit www.arkansasarts.org.

For media inquiries, contact Lindsey Tugman at [email protected] or call 501-324-9349.