Chasing Your Artistic Dreams: Art Scholarships in South Africa
South Africa boasts a vibrant art scene, and aspiring artists have a wealth of scholarship opportunities to fuel their creative journeys. These scholarships, also known as bursaries in South Africa, can help cover the costs of tuition, materials, and living expenses, making artistic education more accessible.
National Funding Sources:
- National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC): The NAC offers bursaries to talented students in various art disciplines, including visual arts, music, and performing arts. [National Arts Council of South Africa bursaries]
- South African Reserve Bank (SARB): The SARB awards an annual scholarship to a deserving fine arts student. [South African Reserve Bank Art Scholarship]
- National Research Foundation (NRF): The NRF provides scholarships for postgraduate studies in research fields, which can include art-related research projects. [National Research Foundation Scholarship]
Private Scholarships and Foundations:
- Absa Fellowship/ Scholarship Programme: Absa Bank offers fellowships and scholarships for postgraduate studies in the arts. [Absa Fellowship]
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Bursary: This foundation supports talented students across various disciplines, including the arts. [Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Bursary]
- Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarship: The ACT awards scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing studies in the arts. [Arts & Culture Trust Scholarship]
Additional Resources:
Several online platforms compile listings of art bursaries in South Africa. These are helpful tools for researching and identifying scholarships that match your specific needs and artistic focus. Here are a few to consider:
- ZA Bursaries: zabursaries.co.za
- World Wide Scholarships: worldwidescholarships.com
- Masters Portal: mastersportal.com
Remember:
- Scholarship applications often have deadlines, so it’s crucial to plan and research well in advance.
- Each scholarship has its eligibility criteria, so read the requirements carefully to ensure you qualify.
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your artistic talent and potential.
- A compelling application essay highlighting your artistic goals and aspirations can strengthen your application.