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 that’ve accepted you.
• Applying for work-study, which is a federally funded program enabling students to work part-time and use their 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 or another creative field. 

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: 11:59 p.m. PST on the 20th of each month
Amount: $500 monthly
Apply now

Doodle for Google
Description: An annual art competition for K-12 students who create a Google Doodle based on a specific theme.
Eligibility: Students in grades K-12
Deadline: Check the website; the window to apply opens every fall
Amount: $30,000 college scholarship
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 scholarships to the best submissions showing how applicants plan to “Frame their future.”
Eligibility: HS senior planning to enroll in a U.S. college or university for the 2026-2027 school year
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Amount: $5,000 grand prize; two $2,000 prizes; one $1,000 prize
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 13, 2025
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: Check the website; application window usually opens in January
Amount: Up to $20,000
Apply now

International Furnishings and Design Association Scholarships
Description: These scholarships are intended for students majoring 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 $6,000, depending on the specific 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 the website
Amount: Varies
Apply now

Janie Moore Greene Scholarship Grant
Description: Applicants must specialize in the 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: Check the website
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

Lucie Foundation
Description: The Lucie Foundation supports emerging and established talent in photography.
Eligibility: See the website; you must create an account to access the specific information
Deadline: September 1, 2025
Amount:  $1,000 to $3,000
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 2025 contest, “Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside,” asked applicants to explore the natural world and their place in it.
Eligibility: Students aged 11 - 18
Deadline: June 9
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

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 with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Deadline: Check the website
Amount: Check the website; the program has accepted 45 students in the past four years and awarded $340,000 among them.
Apply now

The Directors Company Awards and Scholarships

Description: This organization is committed to amplifying future Black voices in the American theatre.
Eligibility: Check the website for specific requirements depending on the scholarship.
Deadline: Check the website
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 the website
Amount: $500
Apply now

Kozakov Foundation Scholarship for Creatives in Theater, Film, or Dance
Description: This fellowship grants students help with tuition and access to financial literacy resources.
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a four-year university or college arts program
Deadline: Check the website
Amount: Amounts vary
Apply now

Dance

American Dance Festival
Description: Each year, ADF offers internships in the arts administration and production areas, like marketing, archives, and development.
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an eligible four-year college or university program
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Amount: $2,500
Apply now

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 school 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 15, 2026
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 the 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 historically excluded from dance and those who still face barriers.
Eligibility: BIPOC student intermediate/advanced dancers between the ages of 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 money from NYCDA Foundation to use for tuition payments; high school seniors hoping to be recruited by one or more NYCDA College Partners for fall 2026.
Deadline: Check the website - Usually mid-May
Amount: $5,000 to $150,000, depending on the specific award 
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 the website for individual scholarship eligibility criteria.
Deadline: Check the 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: 8 p.m. ET on October 18, 2025
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: Check the website
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 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 the website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Varies, 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 the website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Varies, 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 be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited university or college in the U.S.
Deadline: Varies, 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 8, 2025
Amount: $1,000
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: Check the website
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 capital 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 aged 8-18 with a strong musical ability and willingness to participate in the organization’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship. High school students graduating in 2026 must apply by November 15 to be considered.
Deadline: September 1 and November 15, 2025
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 8, 2025
Amount: $750
Apply now

MAJORINGinMUSIC - scholarships for music majors

Description: This organization offers a clearinghouse of music scholarships from different sources.
Eligibility: Check the website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Varies, 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: July 28, 2025
Amount: $5,000
Apply now

Musical America Worldwide Scholarships

Description: This organization offers a clearinghouse of music scholarships from different sources.
Eligibility: Check the website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Varies, 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 the website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Varies, 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 the website for information about specific scholarships; most scholarship eligibility requirements are age-dependent, with students needing to be between the ages of 19 and 25 by the application deadline. Many applications require an entry fee.
Deadline: March 1  
Amount: Varies from $650 - $5,000
Apply now

National Young Composers Challenge
Description: This scholarship is awarded to students who write a composition for a small ensemble or full orchestra.
Eligibility: Middle and high school students between the ages of 13 and 18
Deadline: October 1, 2025
Amount: $500 to $1,000
Apply now

VSA International Young Musicians Program (Kennedy Center)
Description: Open to U.S. and international musicians (soloists/ensembles) of any genre/instrument with a disability.
Eligibility: Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 25
Deadline: Check the website
Amount: $2,000
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 pursuing 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's, or master's degree.
Deadline: May 31
Amount: $1,000
Apply now

Bond Creative Advancement Project (BCAP)
Description: Students pursuing a creative industry career path who are enrolled in a relevant creative program and demonstrate a commitment to creative excellence.
Eligibility: College students studying at a 4-year college or university
Deadline: Varies by program; check the website
Amount: Varies based on program; check the website
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 spread their artistic wings. Scholarships are awarded for hospitality, performing arts, and visual arts.
Eligibility: Check the website for eligibility for specific scholarships and grants.
Deadline: Varies
Amount: $500 - $25,000
Apply now

East Rock Films Scholarship
Description: This video essay contest was started in memory of Jack M. Kaplan, a passionate entrepreneur. Applicants must create a video essay describing a work of art that speaks to them.
Eligibility: U.S. or Canadian high school seniors
Deadline: November 15, 2025
Amount: 1st prize $500, 2nd prize $250, 3rd prize $150
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 are studying with the intent of creating positive, enduring change.
Deadline: Application window from September to October; check the website for specific dates
Amount: $15,000
Apply now

Henry and Chiyo Kuwahara Creative Arts Scholarship
Description: This program provides financial assistance for undergraduate or graduate study to members of the JACL
Eligibility: Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) members who are high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students
Deadline: April 1
Amount: $5,000
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: 8 p.m. EST on October 8, 2025
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, summer 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 the website for information about specific scholarships
Deadline: Varies, 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 15, 2026
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

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Description: The longest-running recognition program for creative teens in the U.S., this program offers several scholarships for writing, editorial cartoons, best-in-grade, portfolios, and more.
Eligibility: Teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13-18)
Deadline: Between December 1, 2025, and January 6, 2026, depending on region — check the website calendar
Amount: Varies based on category; between $500 and 12,500
Apply now

The Sub Pop Loser Scholarship
Description: This organization supports students who are involved and/or interested in music and/or creative media and arts but not necessarily planning to earn a degree in the arts.
Eligibility: High school seniors who live in Washington or Oregon state
Deadline: Check the website
Amount: (3) $6,000 scholarships
Apply now

Thea Foundation
Description: The organization offers awards to students pursuing college education in the performing or visual arts, creative writing, film, and fashion design.
Eligibility: High school seniors in Arkansas.
Deadline: January 11, 2026
Amount: $10,000
Apply now

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
Description: This contest recognizes emerging new artists and encourages patriotism.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Deadline: March 31
Amount: Each state's first-place winner competes for national awards totaling $37,000
Apply now

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