Scholarships for the Performing & Visual Arts

It’s no secret that a college education costs more than ever before. Fortunately, there are many sources to fund your degree, from FAFSA to grants and scholarships. Before we dive into specific scholarships below, let’s look at some of the other options.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows you and your parents to apply for federal aid. To maximize your eligibility, you should:

• File your FAFSA early (on or after October 1), because many states award grants on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wait too long, you may get less (or no) money at all. Filing as soon as you can will maximize your eligibility.
• Because FAFSA calculates financial aid based on your family’s income in prior years, try to minimize income in the base year. 
• Your parents should reduce reportable assets, like paying off high-interest debt (credit cards, auto loans, etc.) with low-interest savings. 
• Strategize your savings — if you save money in a 529, for example, keep it in your parents’ names because its amount is assessed at around 5% versus if it’s in your name (students are assessed at 20%).

For other tips, check out this article, which has many other tips and tricks to maximize your FAFSA benefit.

Finding other financial aid

Scholarships, 529 plans, and FAFSA are great, but here are other options worth exploring. 

• Comparing financial aid offers from all the colleges who’ve accepted you.
• Applying for work-study, which is a federally-funded program enabling students to work part-time and use your earnings to help pay for college expenses.
• Meeting with your college of choice’s financial aid people. You can appeal for additional financial aid and also see whether your college offers additional grants or scholarships for your major.
• Working with a professional, whether it’s the college’s financial aid advisor or a consultant, who can offer recommendations based on your specific situation and needs.

Recommended scholarships

If you’re dreaming of a career in the visual or performing arts, earning scholarships can help turn that dream into reality. These awards offer financial support, recognition, and invaluable networking opportunities. Many scholarship types are available, from merit- to need-based.

This list includes just a smattering of the many different available scholarships. We opted not to include those that are region-specific, nor does this list include scholarships and grants offered by specific colleges or universities. 

Because some applications require the submission of a portfolio or video showcasing your work, we recommend reviewing this list and creating a spreadsheet to help you track app requirements and deadlines whether you're studying the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Dance

Visual Arts

Andy and Julie Plata Honorary Scholarship

Description: Sponsored by the EDSF Board of Directors. Non-renewable.
Eligibility: High school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors studying graphics, graphic arts, and printing
Deadline: May 1
Amount: $2,000
Apply now

Creative Innovation in Education Scholarship
Description: Awarded to an applicant who has designed an innovative project that has made a difference in the lives of others.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school, college/university, or graduate students with a GPA of 3.0
Deadline: 20th of each month
Amount: $500 monthly
Apply now

Greater Than Gatsby Annual Scholarship

Description: This scholarship supports the future of visual art and content creators.
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate or graduate student studying art, communications, English, film, fine arts, journalism, multimedia, photography, or visual arts
Deadline: May 1
Amount: $1,000
Apply now

Frame My Future Scholarship Contest

Description: This organization awards 5 $2,000 scholarships to the best 30-second TikTok or reel showing how applicants plan to “Frame their future.”
Eligibility: HS senior/incoming college freshman
Deadline: March 15
Amount: $2,000
Apply now

FSF Case Study Scholarship

Description: This organization offers multiple $10,000 scholarships to students planning to pursue a degree in the fashion and related industries.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending an FSF school
Deadline: October 14
Amount: $10,000
Apply now

Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Program

Description: Gucci awards up to 12 scholarships to students pursuing paths within the design and fashion industry.
Eligibility: College students
Deadline: Next round opens in late fall 2024
Amount: Up to $20,000
Apply now

International Furnishings and Design Association Scholarships

Description: These scholarships are intended for students majroing in interior design or a related design/furnishings program.
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students attending U.S. colleges
Deadline: Between March 1 and March 31
Amount: Between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the pacific scholarship
Apply now

The James Alan Cox Foundation Grant

Description: Founded in memory of television photojournalist James Alan Cox to provide financial support for high school and college student photographers.
Eligibility: High school and college students
Deadline: Check website
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Janie Moore Greene Scholarship Grant

Description: Applicants must specialize in study of photography and currently be enrolled in or be accepted to a 2- or 4-year college, art/design school, or photography school.
Eligibility: College students specializing in photography
Deadline: Fall 2024
Amount: $2,000
Apply now

LA Tutors Creative Innovation in Education Scholarship

Description: Applicants must have designed an innovative project that makes a difference in the lives of others & write an essay.
Eligibility: Current high school, college/university, or graduate student with a 3.0+ GPA
Deadline: 20th of each month; may reapply monthly
Amount: $500/month
Apply now

Ocean Awareness Art Contest
Description: This organization wants to raise awareness of what’s affecting the health of our oceans. For example, the 2024 contest, “Tell Your Climate Story,” asked applicants to become a climate witness and share their own unique climate story.
Eligibility: Students from ages 11 - 18
Deadline: June 10
Amount: Up to $1,000
Apply now

Photo Contents Guru Fine Art Photography Grants and Awards

Description: Different grants and scholarships are intended for photography students to use to further the development of their art.
Eligibility: Check each opportunity for specific details
Deadline: Varies depending on the specific grant/award
Amount: Varies between $1,000 and $40,000
Apply now

WomenArts Visual Arts Scholarships

Description: Intended for undergraduate and graduate students studying the fine arts.
Eligibility: Check individual awards for specific details.
Deadline: Varies
Amount: Between $2,000 and $5,000
Apply now

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest

Description: This contest began to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Deadline: March 31
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Performing Arts

Broadway World Theatre Scholarships

Description: Despite recent progress, BIPOC artists remain underrepresented, leaving the arts field lacking in diversity. This scholarship supports first-gen BIPOC HS students passionate about pursuing a career in the arts.
Eligibility: First-generation BIPOC students planning to attend college.
Deadline: April 13
Amount: $500
Apply now

The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program

Description: This program seeks to build a bridge in the industry for the next generation of theatre-makers of color working behind the scenes.
Eligibility: BIPOC students currently pursuing offstage theatre-related degrees.
Deadline: Check website
Amount: Check website
Apply now

The Directors Company Awards and Scholarships

Description: This organization is committed to amplifying future Black voices in the American theatre.
Eligibility: Check website for specific requirements depending on the scholarship.
Deadline: May 17
Amount: $1,000 - $1,986
Apply now

Educational Theatre Association Scholarships and Grants

Description: ETF’s scholarships recognize thespian achievement.
Eligibility: Check each scholarship for specific requirements.
Deadline: Two application periods: February 1-April 1 and April 1-May 1
Amount: Between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on the award
Apply now

Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship

Description: These scholarships provide recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education.
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and part-time students pursuing a theatre degree.
Deadline: Check website
Amount: $500
Apply now

NSHSS Performing Arts: Theatre Scholarship

Description: This scholarship is dedicated to those pursuing studies in the performing arts.
Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2025, 2026, or 2027, or recently graduated 2024 seniors with a passion for theatre.
Deadline: October 13.
Amount: $2,000
Apply now

Dance

Brown Girls Do Ballet Scholarships

Description: This program was created to provide additional support to young dancers wishing to continue their training.
Eligibility: Check the website for information on each scholarship
Deadline: May 31
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Cyril McNiff Memorial Scholarship Program

Description: IDTANA sponsors scholarships for high school seniors and current college students who are active dancers at a schoo currently run by a teacher registered with the IDTANA & CLRG
Eligibility: High school seniors graduating in 2025 and college undergrads who will still be students during the 2024-2025 school year.
Deadline: January 2025 (check website for specific date)
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Dance Educators of America (DEA) Scholarships

Description: Scholarships are intended for students who want to pursue dance majors in contemporary, ballet, jazz, and more.
Eligibility: Requirements depend on the scholarship; check website for more details on specific scholarship opportunities and colleges offering them.
Deadline: Varies
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Gene Kelly Legacy Scholarship

Description: The Dizzy Feet Foundation provides scholarships to talented students studying at accredited dance schools, studios, universities, and institutions.
Eligibility: Students must be at least 18 years old
Deadline: Check website
Amount: Up to $10,000
Apply now

Joan Meyers Brown Equity Scholarship Fund

Description: This scholarship continues Ms. Brown’s legacy of opening up access and promoting equity for those historicaly excluded from dance and those who still face barriers.
Eligibility: BIPOC student intermediate/advanced dancers between ages 12 and 22.
Deadline: Check website; deadlines are February 15, April 30, September 10, October 15
Amount: Varies - tuition awards ranging from 25% - 100%
Apply now

New York City Dance Alliance Scholarship Program

Description: NYCDA Foundation Scholarship recipients are represented in 40+ prestigious programs, including The Juilliard School, USC, Marymount, Pace, and Point Park.
Eligibility: High school seniors hoping to receive monies from NYCDA Foundation to use for tuition payments; high school seniors hoping to be recruited by one or more NYCDA College Partners for the fall 2025.
Deadline: Check website - Usually mid-May
Amount: $5,000 - $150,000
Apply now

Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship

Description: SHAPE America has awarded scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate student members majoring in health, phys ed, recreation, and dance.
Eligibility: See website for specific eligibility requirements
Deadline: October 15
Amount: $1,250 (undergrad); $1,750 (graduate)
Apply now

Share the Movement Scholarships

Description: These scholarships are for high school and college students pursuing a major in the performing arts, including dance.
Eligibility: Check website for individual scholarship eligibility criteria.
Deadline: Check website for individual scholarship deadlines.
Amount: Varies - average is $1,000
Apply now

YoungArts Dance Scholarship

Description: This national competition encompasses ballet, choreography, hip hop, jazz, modern-contemporary, tap, and world dance forms.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 - 12 who are studying dance.
Deadline: October 17
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Yvonne Brown Collodi College Scholarship

Description: This scholarship helps students fulfill their dream of completing a college degree.
Eligibility: Member or student member and enrolled in the Training School, Pre-Pro Intensive, or Ballet Forum and currently enrolled in college with a major or minor in dance.
Deadline: June 30
Amount: $5,000
Apply now

Music

Against the Grain Scholarships

Description: Each year, this organization awards scholarships to a group of Asian American high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate school students.
Eligibility: Check individual scholarships for specific eligibility requirements.
Deadline: May 31
Amount: Varies depending on the scholarship
Apply now

ASCAP Foundation Scholarships

Description: These scholarship programs seek to ensure that all opportunities for music study are available to students at all levels.
Eligibility: Check website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Vary, depending on scholarship
Amount: Varies
Apply now

BMI Foundation Scholarships

Description: The BMI Foundation supports the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants, and commissions
Eligibility: Check website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Vary, depending on scholarship
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships

Description: The Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music.
Eligibility: Applicants must e accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited university or college in the U.S.
Deadline: Vary, depending on scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Apply now

Dr. Robert Hawkins Memorial Scholarship

Description: This scholarship is awarded in memory of Dr. Robert Hawkins, who served as a band director and guest conductor for Boston Pops, U.S. Navy Band, and U.C.L.A. Symphonic Band as well as earning recognition as one of the 10 outstanding band directors in the U.S.
Eligibility: Students planning to attend or who are attending a U.S. university or college.
Deadline: November 4
Amount: (1) $1,000 and (1) $2,000
Apply now

Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Music Scholarship Competition

Description: The society wishes to seek out and assist promising young talents from any field of applied music who may become tomorrow’s musical leaders.
Eligibility: High school seniors and first year college vocal and instrumental students who compete at the Glenn Miller Festival.
Deadline: April 29
Amount: (1) $3,000, (1) $2,000, and (1) $1,000
Apply now

Hartford Jazz Society Scholarship

Description: In recognition of the talent of up-and-coming student jazz musicians, this society offers annual merit scholarships to students with an interest in jazz.
Eligibility: Graduating HS senior from the Connecticut capitol region planning to attend a four-year college or university majoring in jazz.
Deadline: June 1
Amount: Between $1,000 and $3,000
Apply now

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

Description: Each year, the organization chooses about 20 pre-collegiate musicians to receive the award.
Eligibility: Student musicians from ages 8-18 with a strong musical ability and willingness to participate in the organization’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship.
Deadline: April 15, September 2, November 15
Amount: Up to $10,000
Apply now

Jim Ott Scholarship

Description: This scholarship recognizes students involved with a Drum Corps.
Eligibility: Graduating high school senior or currently enrolled college student demonstrating a financial need and participating in a Drum Corps.
Deadline: July 15
Amount: $5,000
Apply now

Lamond Gennext Award

Description: This award honors students demonstrating excellence in the field of music, from performance to business to event technology, etc.
Eligibility: College sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled in a music, sound, or event technology program.
Deadline: September 9
Amount: $750
Apply now

Lessons in Your Home Scholarship

Description: This organization has been dedicated to giving high-quality music lessons in the convenience of people’s homes.
Eligibility: High school senior or college students studying aspects of music, music business, performance, or production as a major or minor.
Deadline: July 1
Amount: $500
Apply now

MAJORINGinMUSIC - scholarships for music majors

Description: This organization offers a clearinghouse of music scholarships from different sources.
Eligibility: Check website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Vary, depending on scholarship
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Marshall and Dorothy Smith Music Scholarship

Description: This scholarship seeks to honor the memories of Marshall and Dorothy Smith by supporting students who are passionate about music.
Eligibility: High school seniors or undergraduate students pursuing a music degree.
Deadline: August 29
Amount: $5,000
Apply now

Musical America Worldwide Scholarships

Description: This organization offers a clearinghouse of music scholarships from different sources.
Eligibility: Check website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Vary, depending on scholarship
Amount: Varies
Apply now

National Association for Music Education Scholarships

Description: This organization offers a clearinghouse of music scholarships from different sources.
Eligibility: Check website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Vary, depending on scholarship
Amount: Varies
Apply now

National Federation of Music Clubs Competitions

Description: This organization offers various music scholarships to students majoring in composition, choral conducting, specific musical instruments, music education, music therapy, music pedagogy,
Eligibility: Check website for information about specific scholarships; most scholarship eligibility requirements are age-dependent, with students needing to be between age 19 and 25 by the application deadline. Many applications require an entry fee.
Deadline: March 1
Amount: Varies from $650 - $5,000
Apply now

Any Visual or Performing Arts Major

Against the Grain Productions Artistic Scholarship

Description: This scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian American college students pursing a major in the performing, visual arts, journalism, and/or mass communications.
Eligibility: At least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity and a high school senior or college student seeking an associate, bachelor, or master degree.
Deadline: May 31
Amount: $1,000
Apply now

The Classic Center Scholarships

Description: This organization provides scholarships for talented high school students to help them pursue their passion in a career that will allow them to spend their artistic wings. Scholarships are awarded for hospitality, performing arts, and visual arts.
Eligibility: Check website for eligibility for specific scholarships and grants.
Deadline: Varies
Amount: $500 - $25,000
Apply now

The Giving Back Fund: Legacy Lab Foundation Scholarship

Description: This scholarship is intended for Black or African American students who represent the next generation of legacy-makers — future leaders dedicating time and energy to create lasting social impact.
Eligibility: Black or African American college students who is studying with the intent of creating positive, enduring change.
Deadline: October 23
Amount: $15,000
Apply now

Legit Course Reviewers

Description: This organization created its scholarship program to help students and discuss online learning, since in education, not everyone gets an equal chance to do well.
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university.
Deadline: June 20
Amount: $1,000
Apply now

National YoungArts Foundation

Description: The organization’s awards recognize the work demonstrating exceptional technique, a strong sense of artistry, and a depth of thinking/performance exceeding the level of students’ peers.
Eligibility: 15 - 18-year-old visual, literary, or performing artists in grades 10-12.
Deadline: October 17
Amount: $250 - $10,000
Apply now

 NSHSS Scholarships

Description: Take advantage of scholarship opportunities to help reach your potential, pay for college, international study abroad, sumer programs, and graduate school. High school and college scholarships are available for entrepreneurship, leadership, literature, medicine, music, STEM, sustainability, visual arts, and more.
Eligibility: Check website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Vary, depending on scholarship
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Princess Grace Foundation Awards

Description: These awards identify and support extraordinary emerging artists in theater, dance, and film through career-advancing grants. Unrestricted grants support extraordinary early career artists and their artistic pursuits.
Eligibility: U.S.-based applicants currently living and working in the  U.S. who are nominated by an organization or artist.
Deadline: February 16
Amount: $15,000
Apply now

The Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship

Description: This scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in the performing, visual, or technical arts at an accredited campus-based college or university program in the U.S.
Eligibility: College students pursuing a fine arts degree in a state with an active UNICO Chapter.
Deadline: April 15
Amount: $2,500
Apply now

Curious about other performing and visual arts opportunities? Check out our 2023 Performing and Visual Arts guide.