In partnership with Nova Scotia’s art community, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will award 4 scholarships to help students pursue post-secondary studies in the creative arts:

• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Award for Excellence in Visual Arts ($1000)
• Award for Excellence in Performing Arts ($1000)
• Award for Excellence in Film and Video ($1000)
• Charlie A'Court Scholarship for Excellence in Music ($500 and a mentorship with musical artist Charlie A'Court)

In addition, up to 15 students will be selected as finalists and will each receive $100.

Who can apply

You can apply if you:

• are graduating from a public Nova Scotia high school in 2025
• have applied or been accepted to an arts-related post-secondary program

Music applicants that apply to both the Charlie A'Court Scholarship for Excellence in Music and the Award for Excellence in Performing Arts must fill out the application twice. Applicants are eligible to be awarded only one of the scholarships even if applying to both.

How it works

A jury panel will review each application for demonstrated accomplishment. Winners and finalists will be honoured at a celebration in June.

Criteria for visual arts

• skillful handling of chosen media
• technical fluency
• pursuit of artistry
• innovation, creativity and craftsmanship
• visual impact of the works
• quality of presentation
• variety in submitted artworks
• expression of artist's personal world view
• three artist statements, no more than 150 words each, that:
• introduce the artwork (inspiration, why you created the work, overall vision or intent) 
• include background and process (influences, subject matter, materials or methods involved)
• convey self-reflection (how it relates to other works, what the work means to you, conclusions or perspectives)

Criteria for performing arts and the Charlie A'Court scholarship

• technical fluency
• artistic expression of musical elements
• innovation, creativity and craftsmanship
• stage presence
• impact of the performance
• variety in submitted performances
• artist's statement that:
• provides clear articulation of intent
• describes how this work informs the artist beyond the performance
• includes self-reflection

Criteria for film and video

• technical fluency
• shot composition
• pursuit of artistry
• innovation, creativity and craftsmanship
• impact of presentation
• quality of presentation
• content
• variety in submitted artworks
• artist's statement that:
• provides clear articulation of intent
• describes how this work informs the artist beyond the artwork
• includes self-reflection

How to apply

Applicants need to complete the application form and provide supplementary material online.

Your application must include:

• a letter of reference from a mentor or teacher
• a cover letter explaining your artistic accomplishments and artistic extracurricular or community involvement
• a resume 
• an artist's statement (125 word maximum per statement) to accompany each piece of artistic work
• artistic works as outlined for the category you are applying to
• signed consent form

If the work you submit uses another artist's work or style as inspiration, you should discuss this with your arts teacher to make sure it is appropriate for submission. Works that are heavily borrowed from other artists may not be considered original.

All text, images, audio and video used in submissions must be original material or permission secured from the original artist. Using other artists' original music violates copyright use. To add background music in a video you can access music samples that are free to use. Musicians are able to "cover" other artists' music for their video performances.

Visual arts

Includes ceramics, computer-generated art, graphic design, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Submit photos or videos of 3 original pieces of art. Save each file with your first and last name and the title of the artwork (for example, "Your Name - Title of Artwork.png")

Submit still images as a .png file that is and at least 2 MB each in size. Please Use the highest quality setting possible. Avoid light or flash reflections and shadows so that the entire artwork is clear and visible. A maximum of 3 close-up photos showing detail (for each artwork) can also be included. Submit videos as high-quality, original source videos that are not compressed in any way.

Performing arts

Includes performance art forms such as circus, dance, improv, music, spoken word and theatre.

Submit 3 performances or excerpts in a variety of settings. Clips should be between 1 and 3 minutes long, and at least 1 must be a live performance. Submit videos as high-quality, original source videos that are not compressed in any way.

Film and video

Includes movement-based works such as animation and video.

Submit 3 works or excerpts between 1 and 4 minutes long. Submit videos as high-quality, original source videos that are not compressed in any way. You should include credits at the end of each video.

Charlie A'Court Scholarship for Excellence in Music

This award is open to musicians.

Submit 3 performances or excerpts in a variety of settings. Clips should be between 1 and 4 minutes long, and at least 1 must be a live performance. Submit videos as high-quality, original source videos that are not compressed in any way.

Apply online

Applications are due 13 April 2025.

Apply now

Applications submitted after the application deadline may not be considered. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.