Best Art Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

About Art Scholarships

Art scholarships are given to high school and college students pursuing a degree in visual arts or performing arts. Applicants who are eligible for fine arts scholarships include those who are interested in painting, sculpting, graphic design, art history, creative writing, interior design, mixed media, photography, drawing, and more! There are also performing arts scholarships for those who are interested in music, dance, and theater. Regardless of what you're interested in, there are plenty of opportunities for art students.

Art is an important cultural practice and brings beauty and expression to the world. Creativity is a great skill in today’s workforce, making art students extremely helpful in any career field they choose. Much of the population agrees that art helps people understand other cultures. Regardless of whether you want to pursue visual art professionally or just as a leisurely activity, art is a great field for passionate college students to pursue.

Studying art at an accredited college can help undergraduate students get ahead in the competitive job market. While art is a fulfilling career, many do not pursue a major or career in art because they do not believe they can afford it. Because of tuition prices, many art students require significant financial aid and scholarships as well as student loans.

Many art school graduates have said debt greatly impacted their educational and career decisions. To avoid student debt, arts scholarships are incredibly useful for students pursuing an arts degree.

Here at Bold.org, we take pride in our role as a trusted platform dedicated to connecting students with scholarship opportunities, including those in the field of art. Leveraging our knowledge and experience, we curated this list of scholarships tailored to meet the needs of aspiring artists pursuing degrees in visual arts, performing arts, and related degrees.

On Bold.org, you can find many art scholarships to help fund your college education regardless of your financial need. Create a free Bold.org profile today to begin applying for art scholarships!

Can You Get a Scholarship for Art?

Yes, there are plenty of scholarships for those who study art, as well as opportunities for those pursuing other career fields. On Bold.org, there are even scholarships catered to those without artistic talent who have a passion for art.

Some art scholarships are awarded annually to students who are art majors. Others are one-time awards and only require students to have a passion for art, regardless of their fields of study.

All students are eligible students for scholarships! It's just a matter of finding scholarships suited to your needs that align with the scholarship's requirements.

How to Get an Art Scholarship

The first step for students to get an art scholarship is to create a free Bold.org profile and start applying. Taking initiative and beginning the process is the only way to take charge of your college expenses. Additionally, you likely won't win scholarships if you don't apply to different opportunities that are the best fit for you.

You will only get the financial aid that art scholarships can provide by putting yourself out there and taking advantage of the options on Bold.org. High schoolers, undergraduate or graduate students, and even recent graduates who have student loans can all receive scholarships. Winners are selected all throughout the year, so start using Bold.org's resources today to gain access to the current selection of scholarships.

How to Find Art Scholarships

Once you've created your free Bold.org profile, you can begin searching for scholarships that are right for you. To find art scholarships specifically, use various filters and key search words. The most helpful filter in the search function for artists is "Art." Keyword searches will likely give more specific results. Search for specific art types like "dance" or "painting," depending on the type of scholarship you are looking for.

Before applying, make sure you are eligible for the art scholarship you are interested in. Not every person is eligible for every art scholarship, as some require students to be from a certain location or have a specific medium, so ensure that you fit the requirements before putting time into an application.

How Do I Know If I'm Eligible for an Art Scholarship?

Every scholarship opportunity on Bold.org has a unique set of eligibility criteria, including requirements such as minimum GPA, being a parent, pursuing a certain degree type, or being from a specific demographic. For some scholarships, you may also have to demonstrate financial need or be a first-generation student to apply.

Eligibility requirements are always listed in a scholarship's description, making it easy to check if you qualify. Many scholarship awards are only open to certain groups of students, like "Asian American college students," or scholarships for certain education levels, races, genders, or fields of study. However, there are plenty of broad scholarships that are open to all students. Even recent graduates who are still paying off student loans are eligible to apply for some scholarships. 

No matter your background, stage in life, or field of study, there's a scholarship out there for you. Make sure to always check a scholarship's eligibility requirements before spending your time on an application!

Current college students and high school students, including graduating high school seniors, should apply for scholarships throughout the year to increase their chances of winning scholarship awards to lessen their college costs.

How to Apply for Art Scholarships

To begin applying for art scholarships, click on any of the scholarships listed above. If you have not yet created your free Bold.org profile, the listed scholarships will redirect you so that you can create an account and begin applying for Bold.org's exclusive scholarships.

The scholarship search features provided on Bold.org can help you find the most relevant scholarships based on your experiences, goals, and skills. Use filters such as the ones for education level, scholarship amount, deadline, and category to help you narrow your search. The bookmark tool can help you save scholarships you are interested in so you can return later.

Once you've decided on scholarships that fit you best, you can begin applying. The application process is set up to be easy, so all you have to focus on is writing a great essay or submitting other materials like videos or images.

Tips for Applying for Art Scholarships

Portfolio Preparation

Your portfolio is the centerpiece of your application. Select a variety of your best and most diverse artwork that demonstrates your skill, creativity, and artistic voice. Include a range of mediums and styles to showcase your versatility.

Quality Over Quantity

Rather than including every piece of artwork you've ever created, focus on presenting a cohesive and high-quality portfolio. Choose pieces that highlight your technical ability, creativity, and conceptual depth.

Presentation Matters

Pay attention to how you present your portfolio. Ensure that your artwork is photographed or scanned professionally to accurately represent its quality. Organize your portfolio in a clear and visually appealing manner, with titles, dates, and brief descriptions if necessary.

Artist Statement

Write a compelling artist statement or scholarship essay that provides insight into your artistic journey, influences, themes, and motivations. Use this opportunity to express your passion for art and your commitment to pursuing a career in the field.

Letters of Recommendation

Obtain letters of recommendation from art teachers, mentors, or professionals who can speak to your artistic abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in the field if required. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide meaningful insights into your artistic talent and dedication.

Research Scholarship Opportunities

Explore a variety of art scholarship opportunities, including those specific to your medium, style, or artistic focus. Look for scholarships offered by art institutions, organizations, foundations, and universities, as well as local and national arts councils.

Highlight Achievements and Awards

Include any relevant achievements, awards, exhibitions, or competitions you've participated in related to your artwork. Highlighting your accomplishments can strengthen your application and demonstrate your dedication to your craft.

Personalize Your Applications

Tailor your scholarship applications to each specific opportunity by researching the scholarship criteria and requirements. Customize your portfolio selection, artist statement, and supporting materials to align with the values and goals of each scholarship program.

Learn more about life as a college student or what makes your scholarship application stand out by visiting our Scholarship Blog!