Many students in the United States are under the unfortunate misconception that obtaining art school grants is difficult or impossible. However, these grants are not any different than other types of grants, and often grants are awarded with little or no concern about what the student actually intends to study. Because of this, many grants for general purposes can be used by students as art school grants. Additionally, there are also hundreds of organizations, businesses and individuals who offer grants specifically for students of various art-related study programs.
The most comprehensive source of all grants is undoubtedly the United States Department of Education. By filling out a traditional FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, an art student will usually be able to automatically apply for many types of federal aid- including work study, scholarships, and grants. The most common form of these awards that can be used as an art school grant is the Federal Pell grant. This grant is available to undergraduate students with financial need who are attending at least half-time. The award maximum is $5550, but some qualifying students may be able to obtain this grant twice in a year if they are rapidly completing a degree program.
Other art school grants available from the federal government include Academic Competitiveness grants, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity grant, and the Teacher Assistance for College and Higher Education grant. Academic Competitiveness grants worth up to $1300 can be used as grants for art school and are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exemplary academic achievements. The FSEO grants can also be used to attend art school, but typically only for computer-sciences related art, such as design and computer-aided drafting. The TEACH grants are offered to students who make a commitment to teach in elementary or secondary schools that service low income families. Therefore, students who wish to learn and teach art can use these grants successfully.
Unique Sources of Art School Grants
Interestingly enough, individual artists who have become successful might offer grants to students that showcase superior talents. These grants are difficult to find because they are generally not advertised, but students seeking art school grants such as these should contact successful artists or their representatives directly to learn more.
Another source of grants to attend art school is the thousands of businesses, organizations, and associations that are patrons of the arts or that offer art-related services. Some of these grants are advertised, but often they are not. Therefore, art students must research diligently to determine which groups offer art school grants, and under what conditions. It is important to note that businesses and organizations that deal in the arts have a vested interest in attracting new talent to their respective fields. Therefore, there are often hundreds of art school grants available each year and some of these awards can be in the tens of thousands.
Another government source of art school grants is the National Endowment of the Arts. This organization specializes in connecting art students with providers of grants, such as the Smithsonian Institute. However, students should be advised that there is fierce competition for grants through the NEA, so applying early and often is vital to securing an award.
Graduate or doctoral students seeking grants will often find that they are able to more easily obtain awards- and for greater amounts, than undergraduate students. However, this only applies to art school grants provided by organizations, businesses, or individuals. Most federal or government sources of art school grants are reserved for undergraduate students.
Students researching grants for art school should be aware that these grants can be applied to a large number of specialties that many would neglect to consider an “art”. This includes grants for textile students, design students, and even architectural and engineering students that specialize in the artistic side of these fields. Furthermore, students seeking art school grants should also consider applying for scholarships and work study programs in order to maximize their chances of success in the world of art.