Art Scholarships and Grants

Art scholarships and grants pay for college education in the arts. There are different art scholarships based on your artistic interests. Art scholarships may include painting, design, drawing, photography, music, literature and the culinary arts.

What’s Your Artistic Specialty?

Did you enjoy drawing, painting and sculpting? Was writing your favorite pastime? Do you play music whenever you have the chance? Are you a dynamic dancer? Can you capture a moment in a photograph? Art scholarships help pay for the school to train you for a career in one of these dynamic fields.

Do Grades Matter?

Unlike most other scholarships, art scholarships are not solely based on academic achievement. While academics are important, your portfolio often speaks louder than your grades. Writers, musicians, sculptors, photographers, designers, painters and other creative artists need a portfolio to showcase their work. Good grades, art-oriented extracurricular activities and an eye-catching portfolio help you win art scholarships.

Prepare Your Portfolio

Typically each school has a specific criteria for portfolios. To be considered for art scholarships, simply follow the directions for submitting your portfolio. The examples in your portfolio can help make up for less than stellar grades. Your portfolio should highlight your best skills and finest work to impress the art scholarship judges.

Submit An Application

Along with a portfolio, you usually submit an application summarizing your achievements and academic history. Some schools also ask you to write an essay. Each element of your overall application helps you qualify for art scholarships. Make sure your application and essay fully describe your academic and artistic abilities.

Consider Overall Costs

Art classes are costly. Add the cost of supplies that need to be restocked throughout the year and your art education often costs more than you anticipate. Art scholarships help pay for all these expenses. While most art scholarships don’t cover the entire cost of tuition and supplies, they make a big difference.

Careers Funded By Art Scholarships

Consider the fantastic careers funded by art scholarships. Fiction writers who pen murder mystery novels honed their craft in college. Professional freelance photographers perfected their shoots in school. Sculptors shaped up their careers by getting an education. No matter what your unique talent is, art scholarships provide essential funds to learn your craft. Here are a few other possible careers to pursue thanks to art scholarships:

  • marketing, media and public relations including broadcasting, journalism and publishing;
  • film, video and broadcasting to film movies, television shows, radio programs and more;
  • performing arts such as music, dance, live art, puppetry and drama including acting, directing and producing plays, movies and shows;
  • visual arts careers in art galleries, museums and related venues;
  • architecture, interior design, fashion design and crafts; and
  • the ability to teach others who want careers in the arts.

Live Your Dream

An easy way to look for art scholarships is to conduct a free online search. Look around based on your artistic interests. Watch for deadlines and apply early to find art scholarships to fund your creative dreams.