If you're considering a degree in music, visual arts, performing arts, or storytelling, get ready for an exciting world of art scholarships and future job opportunities. The creative realm offers endless possibilities – from becoming a writer, musician, or actor to designing captivating visuals as a graphic designer or showcasing your creations at Fashion Week in Paris.
However, pursuing an artistic career often demands a college degree, and the associated costs can be daunting. Fortunately, art scholarships come to the rescue, bridging the financial gap, and making your dreams more accessible.
What is an art scholarship?
An art scholarship is a financial award or grant for students studying art or the creative arts. These scholarships are awarded by educational institutions, foundations, art organizations, or private individuals who want to encourage artistic talent and education. They can help cover expenses like tuition and materials, making art education more affordable.
These scholarships are awarded based on artistic talent, academic achievement, and sometimes financial need. They come in different forms, such as merit-based scholarships for exceptional artists, need-based scholarships for students with financial constraints, or scholarships tied to specific art disciplines.
Now, let’s look at 12 scholarships (more will be added soon) for art students and other creative types that could help you achieve your creative dreams.
12 Art Scholarships You Should Know
1. The National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
This prestigious scholarship recognizes artistic and writing excellence among students in grades 7-12. Students can compete in over 28 categories of art and writing. The scholarship provides financial support, exhibition, publication, and national recognition.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 1st each year
2. The YoungArts Competition
The National YoungArts Foundation provides scholarships for high school seniors in multiple art disciplines, including visual, literary, and performing arts. Winners also get access to master classes, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to showcase their work at the annual YoungArts Week.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: October 8th each year
3. The Davidson Fellow Scholarship
Designed to support exceptionally talented students under the age of 18, the Davidson Fellow Scholarship provides funding for individuals who have showcased exceptional achievements in various fields, including the arts.
Amount: Up to $50,000
Deadline: February 10th each year
4. The Princess Grace Awards
The Princess Grace Awards support emerging artists in theater, dance, and film. This scholarship program provides financial assistance, mentorship opportunities, and professional development to talented individuals in their artistic pursuits.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
5. The James Alan Cox Foundation Scholarship
The James Alan Cox Scholarship is an award that recognizes and supports the creative endeavors of young videographers and photographers dedicated to making a positive impact on their communities through visual storytelling. The scholarships are meant to aid recipients in furthering their education and career in the field of visual storytelling.
Amount: $2,500 to $5,000; and digital SLR cameras
Deadline: Varies
6. JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
This Contest is a prestigious annual competition that encourages high school students to explore the concept of political courage and share their insights through a thought-provoking essay. It is open to high school students in Grades 9-12.
Amount: $1,000 to $10,000
Deadline: Varies
7. Rau for the Art Foundation Scholarship
The Rau for the Art Foundation Scholarship is a scholarship program that provides financial support to aspiring artists, helping them pursue their creative passions and further their education in the field of art.
Amount: up to $7,500
Deadline: February
8. Michelle Obama Award for Memoir
The Michelle Obama Award for Memoir is a prestigious award that honors exceptional memoirs and celebrates the strength of personal stories and storytelling.
Random House, who published the memoir "Becoming" by former First Lady Obama, awards it. The award is one of five or six scholarships awarded by the publisher each year and named after famous authors like Michelle Obama and Maya Angelou. These scholarships are available for high school seniors planning to attend college.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Varies
9. Maya Angelou Award for Spoken Word
The Maya Angelou Award for Spoken Word award honors individuals who have made major contributions to the world of spoken word poetry, carrying on the legacy of the renowned poet and author Maya Angelou.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Varies
10. Curtis Mayfield Scholarship
The Curtis Mayfield Scholarship is a scholarship program that helps and encourages young artists in music and the arts. It is named after the well-known musician Curtis Mayfield and its goal is to empower and support talented artists as they pursue their creative passions.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: Varies
11. Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize
The Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes and supports emerging jazz composers. This scholarship pays tribute to the legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker and encourages the creation of new and innovative jazz compositions.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: Varies
12. John Lennon Award for Writers & Composers
The John Lennon Award for Writers & Composers is a highly regarded honor that celebrates exceptional achievements in music and writing. It recognizes students who have made remarkable contributions to these creative fields, paying tribute to the iconic musician and songwriter John Lennon.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Summary
These 12 art scholarships not only provide financial support but also invaluable opportunities for recognition, exposure, and development in various artistic disciplines. Regardless of your creative passion, there is a scholarship waiting for you.
Check out each scholarship website to get more up-to-date information, including deadlines. Remember, you have to be in it to win it!
