One lucky local student headed to post-secondary arts or culture based education will benefit from a new scholarship program.
The Chatham-Kent Arts and Culture Network (CKACN) recently announced its Emerging Youth Artist Scholarship. The scholarship will provide $1,000 to a graduating or recently graduated high school student from any secondary school in Chatham-Kent pursuing full-time studies in an arts and culture program at a recognized college or university.
James Snyder, chair of the selection committee, said candidates could be pursuing a wide range of areas of study. The student, aged 16 to 20, can be studying in any of the following disciplines: visual arts, music, performing arts, dance, literary arts, or culture building.
“If people want to go into a museum management program, they’d be eligible too,” he said. “We’re trying to give people an equal opportunity.”
Snyder said other groups such as the Thames Art Gallery have been doing youth scholarships. The CKACN expands on who might qualify.
He added continuous education would not be a requirement.
“If you’ve been off school for a year, you can still apply as long as you can show you are going to college or university for one of the six categories,” he said. “This is just another way to support the arts.”
The $1,000 scholarship “can help with basic costs,” Snyder said.
“Anything helps.”
Eligible students must submit a portfolio of work to the CKACN by midnight, June 15. Portfolios must include a minimum of three works, and CKACN recommends submitting a variety of works in your area of expertise.
The online application form is available here.
The scholarship guidelines can be found here.
Completed application forms and accompanying portfolios are to be sent by email to jamessnyderp@gmail.com.
If selected for an interview, applicants must be available for an interview with the CKACN adjudication committee, to be scheduled by June 30.
Before funds can be released, the successful recipient must provide proof of registration from a post-secondary institution by Sept. 1.
The winner will be recognized at the CKACN Heroes Wall of Fame event on Oct. 23 at the Chatham Cultural Centre.
The CKACN is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that supports arts and culture in Chatham-Kent. The CKACN nurtures, sustains, and advocates for cultural activities, artists and arts organizations throughout Chatham-Kent, and endeavors to increase community connection to and engagement in the arts
