The Tennessee Arts Commission is dedicated to providing a range of funding opportunities to promote the arts for all Tennesseans and their communities. Institutional scholarships and grants are awarded on an annual basis, and Cumberland University defines an academic year as 32 weeks, consisting of a fall and spring semester. Financial aid is only available during the academic year, but students who wish to take classes during the summer semester should check with the Financial Aid Office to see if they qualify for any type of federal or state financial aid, including student loans. Scholarships for minority students may have either general requirements or more specific criteria, such as specializing in a certain field or having an interest in a particular industry.
Josh Turner, who achieved success in the music industry despite not having access to a comprehensive arts program in his high school, created a scholarship fund at The Community Foundation to support students from mainly rural areas of South Carolina who wanted to pursue a career in the music business or the arts. Before applying for a grant, applicants must read the legal requirements for funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission. The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program is designed to support artistic projects that expand access to artistic experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or improve the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises. Through ABC, the Commission seeks to build communities by encouraging artists, arts organizations (including local art agencies) and art supporters in each of Tennessee's 95 counties. The Karen Hardin Scholarship is awarded annually to a third-year or senior student majoring in elementary education who needs financial aid and has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. In honor of her daughter, this scholarship is awarded to a third or final year student specializing in Special Education.
The Tennessee Arts Commission reserves the right to deny any request or withhold funds in whole or in part if the programming and activities of the requesting organization are outside the scope or spirit of the Commission's mission, purpose, or grant program. The Wilson County Scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student from Wilson County, Tennessee, with a minimum ACT entrance score of 20 or a GPA of 2.5 in high school or, if enrolled at Cumberland University or as a transfer student, will have a GPA of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale. This scholarship aims to benefit students mainly from rural areas and applicants should focus on a career that presents them with diverse opportunities in the music business or some discipline of the arts. Organizations that meet all applicable requirements described in the guidelines are eligible to apply for financial assistance for artistic activities. Tennessee's diverse artistic and cultural heritage is celebrated through these scholarships and grants. The Tennessee Arts Commission provides an array of funding opportunities for artists and organizations alike. Whether you are looking for financial assistance for artistic activities or scholarships for minority students, there are many options available.
Before applying for any grant or scholarship, make sure you read all legal requirements carefully.
