Visualizing Future Opportunities
As the new year approaches, many artists contemplate their next steps. What goals will you set to take your skills and vision to the next level? Some promising venues for 2025 include art scholarships available through private foundations, colleges, and universities. Let us explore a few top options that could help fund your future creations.
Major Scholarship Programs
The Golden Foundation Awards and the Agnes Gund Scholarship Program award hundreds of thousands in scholarships annually. The Golden Foundation provides merit-based and need-based support for undergraduate and graduate students. It accepts applications starting in early fall 2024 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Meanwhile, the Agnes Gund program focuses on representation and social justice in the arts, awarding select fellows up to $50,000 each. Please mark your calendars for their deadline in winter 2025.
College and University Awards
Individual colleges also administer sizable scholarships through their financial aid offices. Larger state schools and private institutions routinely offer merit-based scholarships up to full tuition for exemplary art students. Research what programs your target schools support and stay on top of application deadlines, typically between January and March 2025. Having strong portfolios ready to demonstrate your talents will be critical.
Local and Regional Opportunities
Be aware of scholarships offered through local arts non-profits, galleries, and private art schools. Civic groups and private donors frequently fund modest awards for aspiring artists from their regional communities—scout foundations in your city or state to see what programs may be a good fit. Persistence and preparedness will be rewarded as you visualize and work towards new opportunities in 2025.
