Visual & Performing Arts Scholarships

U.S. pre-doctoral art history candidates who will be all-but-dissertation when the fellowship begins and whose dissertation research focuses on European art from antiquity to the early 19th century may be nominated by their department for Kress History of Art Institutional Fellowships at European research centers. Departments may nominate a maximum of two candidates for different research centers. Six two-year fellowships are awarded at $45,000 per year. Applications are accepted in November for fellowships beginning the following academic year.

Current U.S. college students enrolled in an accredited institution may submit an original dog or cat themed print design for BOBS from Skechers shoes plus a personal essay for the Paws for a Cause Design Scholarship. Two winners each receive a $10,000 scholarship and three virtual mentorship sessions with Skechers design and leadership teams. Winning designs may be featured on BOBS shoes sold nationwide. The Skechers Foundation partners with Petco Love to support shelter animals through BOBS product sales.

Full-time undergraduate or graduate students at North American institutions enrolled in design, architecture, or visual merchandising programs may apply for the PAVE Student Visionary Award. One award of $7,500 is given, plus Gala travel and accommodations support. Submit four 11-by-17-inch blind presentation boards as PDFs (no name or school identifiers), a current transcript, and an application through PAVE's Submittable portal. Projects should address human-centered design, sustainability, inclusivity, cultural awareness, or contemporary design themes.

Undergraduate students in the greater Houston area, or graduates of a greater Houston high school, who are enrolled full time at an accredited two- or four-year college with a declared major in marketing, advertising, graphic arts, media, or a related field may apply with a minimum 3.0 GPA. AMA Houston awards one Penny Todd Scholarship of $5,000 annually. Submit the application with an essay of more than 750 words on career goals, at least two recommendations from non-family adults, proof of enrollment, an official transcript, and samples of marketing coursework.

Armenian-descent students who are full-time sophomores or above at an accredited U.S. four-year college, major in music performance or composition, and demonstrate financial need may apply. One $5,000 scholarship is awarded. Submit the application with a personal statement, official transcripts mailed by your institution, and two recommendation letters from instructors or advisors sent directly by the writers. The fund honors composer and conductor Edward Hosharian.

Students with musical talent who will perform in an assigned Austin College ensemble may apply, whether or not they intend to major or minor in music. Recipients must remain full-time students in good academic standing. Awards are up to $4,000 per year and are renewable with satisfactory ensemble participation endorsed by the music department. Schedule a live or video audition and interview with the Music Scholarship Committee in early spring of your senior year. Austin College offers music scholarships in addition to academic aid for talented performers at this liberal arts college in Sherman, Texas.

Students with theatre talent at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, may apply whether or not they intend to major or minor in theatre. Awards are up to $4,000 per year and are renewable with satisfactory participation endorsed by the theatre department. Submit an application and complete a live audition or portfolio presentation and interview with theatre faculty in early spring of your senior year. Austin College awards a limited number of theatre scholarships annually to students who contribute to campus productions.

Incoming first-year and transfer Hope College students with strong academic records and outstanding visual arts ability may apply for the Distinguished Artist Award. Recipients must declare a Studio Art, Art History, or Visual Arts Education major or minor. The award provides $3,000 per year, renewable for up to four years while maintaining a 2.6 GPA and enrolling in at least one studio art or art history course each semester. Submit the Common Application, DAA application, and a 15-image digital portfolio by February 16. Recipients attend department lectures and submit work to the annual student show.

Florida high school seniors graduating in spring from public, private, virtual, or home education programs who demonstrate excellence in creative writing, dance, drama, music, or visual art may apply. Thirty-five awards of $2,000 each are granted annually, with top-scoring students selected in each discipline. Submit work samples and application materials during the fall-to-winter application window. Launched by former First Lady Columba Bush in 1999, Arts for Life! has supported more than 575 gifted Florida seniors.

High school students in grades 9 through 12 residing in Athens-Clarke, Banks, Barrow, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Habersham, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Rabun, Stephens, Walton, or White counties may apply. Recipients receive $2,000 performing arts scholarships based on application and audition, plus an additional donation to the winner's high school arts program. Apply through the Classic Center Cultural Foundation; applications typically open in fall with a March deadline.