It’s a known fact that building a career in the arts is both time-consuming and expensive. For budding artists with limited resources, fine-tuning their craft can be an unmanageable financial burden.
That's why the City of St. Albert has introduced the Young Artists Legacy Award Program. Aspiring artists aged 13 to 21 can apply for grants to assist in education or professional-development opportunities. This includes travel assistance to showcase events or conferences.
“It’s to help young artists pursue their interests and improve access to elevated educational opportunities. It’s not for regular instruction, but more for workshops, masterclasses and summer programs,” said Kathleen Bell, Legacy Award Program spokesperson.
Applicants from any number of fine arts disciplines can apply. They include visual arts, music, theatre and musical theatre, literary arts, film, new media and multi-media.
This year a total of $2,000 will be awarded to individuals with a maximum of $500 allocated to any one person. Groups can also apply for a maximum of $1,000.
Several young artists who received the grant in past years are Aurianna McPhail, Jacob Kryger and Hailey Benedict.
“Aurianna received a $400 award in 2018. She attended a two-week program at Saint Martins Drama Centre in London, England. In 2019 Jacob Kryger was given $500 and went to a marimba seminar in New Jersey. It was called The Leigh Howard Stevens Summer Seminar. And in 2022, Hailey Benedict got $500 to attend Canadian Country Music Week Conference. Hailey is actually a two-time recipient,” Bell said.
Applicants must be within the stated age range and live in St. Albert. The Arts Development Advisory Committee, an independent group of nine adults, will jury candidates' applications.
"A lot of these opportunities can be hard to access because of financial burdens. This kind of grant helps an artists access opportunities that push them along. Extra programs are fantastic, but they can be hard to get to. This allows them to take advantage of programs that are expensive and provide great mentorship."
The entry deadline is Thursday, April 13. Application forms are available online at https://stalbert.ca/cosa/admin/grants/young-artists-legacy-award-program/.
