Naomi McCormack · National
Skylark Award for the Arts
About this award
Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for an annual award supporting Indigenous students in the arts who have an average of 75 or above. Apply through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures program — one application covers all sponsor pools.
The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact Naomi McCormack to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous artist pursuing post-secondary education and need financial help to finish your studies. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, 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. How to apply: This funding is administered through Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships program. Students complete one central application that's evaluated against all 360+ of Indspire's funding pools (including this one) — you don't apply to the sponsor directly. The Apply button on this page routes to Indspire's portal automatically. For the full program description, all three application deadlines, and detailed eligibility, see Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships on FundMyCourse.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Post Secondary — study level
- 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, visual arts — field of study
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Request your official transcript1–2 weeks
Order through your school registrar — allow 1–2 weeks.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is submitting a generic collection of work.
Winners instead curate a portfolio that specifically highlights the skills needed for their specific art field.
Gather your best pieces and write a brief note explaining the intent behind each one.
The biggest mistake is providing a reference who only knows you socially.
Winners instead use professors or mentors who can speak to their technical growth in the arts.
Ask a teacher who has seen your work evolve to write your letter of support.