Peter and Joan Oliver Arts Scholarship

Community Foundation of Nova Scotia

Get $300 for your arts studies if you live in Shelburne County and are entering a full-time undergraduate program.

Published by G Paul · last checked October 23, 2026

Total value

$300

Deadline

May 31, 2027

Level

High school

Open to

Nova Scotia

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

A one-page resume listing arts activities, classes, and training received during high school
One-page typed essay (or 150-200 word essay) describing "Why you feel you are deserving of this scholarship"
Two letters of recommendation
A copy of your high school transcript
Portfolio of five samples of visual artworks (for visual arts applicants)
DVD or videotape containing five minutes of performance (for dance, video art, visual arts, or drama applicants)

About this award

You can receive $300. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. The award is given out annually, though the committee may decide to award unused money from previous years. This is for you if you are a talented artist living in Shelburne County who wants to pursue a degree in the arts. You must apply by May 31. No specific notification date is listed — ask the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia how and when you will hear if you have won. A committee reviews the applications based on your proven artistic ability and past accomplishments. Only one scholarship is awarded each year, so it is quite competitive. Ask the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia how they score the portfolios and essays. The scholarship is presented to you at the graduation ceremony of your local school. Ask the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia if the funds are sent directly to you or to your college or university. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a current or former resident of Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. You must show proven artistic ability in at least one of these arts areas: dance, literature, music, theatre, traditional arts, and visual arts. Additionally, you must be accepted as a full-time undergraduate at a fully-accredited college or university with a major in one of those same arts areas.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

Open to high school students
Resident of Nova Scotia
Studying dance, literature, music, theatre, traditional arts or visual arts

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Order your transcript1–2 weeks
Your school's registrar can take a week or two.
Ask for reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.
Write your essay
Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

EssayAvoid writing a generic essay about why you need money. Instead, focus on why you feel you are deserving of this specific award by connecting your past art projects to your future goals. Write a concise piece between 150 and 200 words.
ReferencesAvoid using references who only know you socially. Instead, choose teachers or mentors who can speak specifically to your artistic growth and technical skill. Provide two strong letters of recommendation.
StrategyAvoid submitting a random collection of work. Instead, curate a portfolio of five samples that shows your best range and highest level of skill in your chosen medium.
RealismAvoid treating this as a guaranteed source of funding. Since only one $300 award is given annually for the whole county, use this as a supplement rather than your primary tuition plan.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on May 31, 2027. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Oct 23, 2026