Step 1: Complete the application form Enter your information into all of the appropriate fields. Check your spelling.Print two copies of the completed application form on white paper. Keep one copy for your records. (Note: This form cannot be saved to your computer. You must print it while online.)
Your application should reflect your sense of dedication to your chosen art discipline. Keep the following review criteria in mind when completing your application:
Step 2: Letters of Recommendation Along with your application form, include two letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals that specifically address your artistic and academic abilities relating to your intended field of study. Members of the applicant's family must not write letters.
Step 3: Essay Write a 1 to 1 ½ page essay describing the role your art form plays in your life, and what role it will play in the future. Consider these questions:
Step 4: Artistic Achievement Work Samples For Performing Artists Only, include 3 copies of Artistic Achievement CD or DVD For Writers Only, include 3 copies of Artistic Achievement Literature Sample For Visual Artists Only, email Artistic Achievement PowerPoint
Step 5: Submit the application package. Mail or hand-deliver all of the above in one package to: Iowa Scholarship for the Arts, Iowa Arts Council, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines, IA 50319.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. If your application arrives after the deadline or a portion is missing, it will be declared ineligible and will not be reviewed by the panel. All the materials must arrive in the same packet on or before the deadline.
List 8 significant achievements in your chosen discipline area; cite the most recent first. If applicable, make sure to cite public and/or professional recognition of your artwork. (Please keep each response to 150 characters or your printer may not print all the information.)
If you are a performing artist, submit a CD or DVD with one recording of a recent performance as one of your 8 "Artistic Achievements". Edit video and/or audio sample to provide a 3-5 minute sampling of work. Applicant should be easily identifiable in sample. Submit 3 copies of the CD or DVD for panelists. Label each hard copy sample with applicant name and any other identifying information. Make sure to test the CD or DVD in multiple computers or players to ensure that it is playable for reviewers. Describe remaining 7 achievements in the Artistic Achievements section of the application.
If you are a writer, submit up to 3 pages of literature from one body of work for one of your 8 “Artistic Achievements”. For example, include an excerpt from a chapter, scene, or poem. DO NOT include more than 3 pages. Make 3 copies of your work sample for panelists. Label each hard copy sample with applicant name and any other identifying information. Describe remaining 7 achievements in the Artistic Achievements section of the application.
If you are a visual artist, submit images of your work for several or all of your 8 "Artistic Achievements" using the PowerPoint Presentation (Instructions are included within the PowerPoint). You must submit 8 Artistic Achievements. If you do not have 8 images for the PowerPoint, you will need to describe additional achievements in the Artistic Achievements section of the application.
Download Scholarship PowerPoint
To process your PowerPoint application for final submission, compress all images that you add to the PowerPoint by following these steps:
Submit the PowerPoint via email to veronica.ohern@iowa.gov, using the following subject line: "Scholarship PowerPoint for" with your First and Last Name.
We will not accept visual artwork that is not submitted in the PowerPoint format. We will not accept performing artwork that is not submitted in CD or DVD format. We will not accept online work samples.
If you are not a visual artist, please describe your Artistic Achievements in the spaces below.
