The board of the Dufferin Arts Council has announced an increase in student support. Since 1996 DAC has awarded well over $100,000 in scholarships via the Anne Laurier Scholarship Fund to Grade 12 students going on to study in the Arts at Colleges and Universities across Canada. Acting chair Catherine Carpenko said, “After a careful review of our financial position and acknowledging the contributions to the scholarship fund by our generous donors in recent years, it’s time to increase the scholarship amount. With the cost of education and costs in general these days, we trust this is welcome news for arts students in Dufferin. I thank board member Shelagh Roberts for pushing this review forward.”
The scholarships, available to three students, will increase from $2,500 to $3,000. These awards are available to students who are residents of Dufferin County, graduating high school this year and preparing to attend an accredited university or college. DAC acknowledges that all the categories of the arts include a wide range of programs (visual, literary and performing). Submissions are required by end of June. For more details on criteria visit www.dufferinarts.com/ copy-of- art-school.
Dufferin Arts Council has also announced an increase in the Reed T Cooper Bursary in Visual Arts, established to honour the artistic achievements of Reed T Cooper and his many contributions to the local arts community. The bursary is awarded annually to up to two mid-career visual artist(s) in Dufferin County who have been working professionally for a minimum of five years, and who display a unique talent and a potential for excellence.
“We are so grateful to share the news that the Cooper family has generously increased the award amount to $3,500 from the previous amount of $3,000,” said board member Michele Maycock who has sat on the committee that assesses the submissions. Proposals can be received until end of September. Eligibility is open to any professional artist who is a resident of Dufferin County or Headwater region and must be a member of the Dufferin Arts Council. Eligible media include, but may not be limited to painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, fibre arts, glass, wood, photography, digital/computer- generated art. A recipient of the Cooper Bursary can re-apply after a period of five years. Visit www.dufferinarts.com/ copy-of-artist-support.