Skylark Award for the Arts

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous affiliation
• ✓ Demonstrated financial need
• ✓ Enrollment in a post-secondary institution
• ✓ Program is in one of the eligible arts fields (circus, dance, deaf and disability, digital, installation, inter-arts, literature, media, multi-disciplinary, music/sound, theatre, or visual arts)

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Naomi McCormack to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student pursuing a creative path in the arts and can show that you have a financial need for extra funding. Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, a portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Naomi McCormack how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Naomi McCormack during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Naomi McCormack whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you have any Indigenous affiliation and are attending a post-secondary institution at any level of study. You must have a demonstrated financial need and an academic average of 75 or above. Your program of study must be in one of these fields: circus arts, dance, deaf and disability arts, digital arts, installation, inter-arts (multi and trans disciplinary), literature, media arts, multi-disciplinary arts, music and sound, theatre, or visual arts.

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 college, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students
• ✓ Studying circus arts, dance, deaf and disability arts, digital arts, installation, inter arts (multi and trans disciplinary), literature, media arts, multi disciplinary arts, music and sound, theatre or visual arts

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• StrategySince there are three deadlines (August 1, November 1, and February 1), do not wait until the final one. Apply during the earliest window that fits your current academic term to increase your chances of securing funds before other pots are emptied.
• RealismBecause this award is restricted to specific arts disciplines and requires a 75 average, it is highly targeted. If your program falls outside the listed arts fields, focus your energy on broader Indigenous bursaries from Indspire (the organization providing the funding).

Questions students ask

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