Artists for Change NOW – Scholarship for BIPOC Art Students

Our Vision

Art is an essential social activity that helps to document, define, and shape the way we perceive the world and our place in it. Artists for Change NOW envisions a world where are art is used as a tool for direct social change and the empowerment of BIPOC communities.

Our Mission

We recognize that in order to broaden the conversations taking place in the contemporary art world, students from historically marginalized communities need access to resources and support as they navigate institutions of higher learning that are often ill-prepared to support their particular needs. As such, our mission is to provide the support they need to thrive, and to develop the artists of the future.

Artists for Change NOW (ACN) is composed of a group of artists that have come together to use art as a tool in the fight against systemic racism. Our mission is to utilize the arts to address questions of racial and socio-economic inequality, and to mobilize a network of artists committed to direct social change.

In pursuit of this goal, we are excited to launch our inaugural ACN Student Scholarship, which aims to foster the growth of artists from historically marginalized and oppressed communities. Combining financial support with professional development and mentoring sessions, the ACN Student Scholarship will support a cohort of 10 BIPOC students pursuing degrees in visual art across the nation.

Scholarship

What is it?

The ACN Student Scholarship is aimed at supporting BIPOC students with demonstrated financial need as they navigate higher education. A cohort of ten students across the nation will be selected to receive an unrestricted scholarship in the amount of $1,000, to be used for any expenses they may have, including tuition, room and board, art supplies, food etc. The program will also include mentoring sessions where students will hear from established BIPOC working-artists, as well as support in developing effective artist statements and artist CV’s for use in their careers.

Who can apply?

The ACN Student Scholarship is open to undergraduate BIPOC student who can demonstrate financial need. Students must be pursuing a degree in visual art from an accredited four-year university in the United States. We encourage students from various life-trajectories: young artists, non-traditional students (who may have non-linear educational paths), undocumented students, and system-impacted youth.

Application Process

In order to apply, students must complete the online application (see link below) by November 15th, 2020 at 11:59PM PST. Applicants will need to submit documentation to provide demographic information, prove university enrollment, and answer 5 brief essay questions. We recommend that you type your essays in a Word document, or similar software, then copy and paste your responses to the application.