Three School of Art students sit at a long narrow table in front of a window.

SOA undergraduate scholarships and awards

The School of Art offers scholarships and awards specifically for undergraduate students based on academic achievement, portfolio submission as well as financial need . Eligibility criteria vary by award and applications will only be accepted in ArtConnect via UMLearn unless otherwise noted.

Guidelines for Scholarship applications: 

  • Application deadline is May 5, 2023 by 4:30 pm. - Applications are now closed for 2023-2024
  • Make sure you fulfill the eligibility criteria for each award you wish to apply for. 
  • For the portfolio, submit one (1) portfolio in digital format (PDF) that contains 5-6 examples of recent work. 
  • For the statement of interest, submit a statement in digital format (PDF) that contains your name, student number, year and name of degree, and the following statement: “I wish to be considered for the (NAME OF AWARD HERE)". 
  • Upload the portfolio and/or statement of interest to the appropriate scholarship/award folder in ArtConnect via UMLearn. See ArtConnect for further instructions.

Guidelines for Bursary applications:

  • Application deadline is October 1, 2023. Applications are now closed for 2023-2024. 
  • General bursary applications for Fall and Winter Terms are available in the Aurora Student Portal. This application along with supporting documentation, must be submitted to the Financial Aid and Awards office by October 1.

For any inquiries about SOA undergraduate scholarships and awards, contact the Admissions & Recruitment Coordinator. 

Alice Hamilton Prize in Painting

Award: 34258
Numbers of awards: 1

The Alice Hamilton Prize in Painting was established in memory of Alice Hamilton, the first Honorary citizen of East St. Paul, by a gift from her son, Dr. Ian Hamilton and his wife Mary Brownley Hamilton. Alice Hamilton was active in the Searchlight Art Club in the 1920s, which met weekly at members' homes throughout Winnipeg. She specialized in painting china and watercolours. Mrs. Hamilton, and her husband Dr. F.W.L. Hamilton, were longtime residents and community leaders in the East St. Paul area.

The available annual interest from this endowed fund will support an annual prize for a graduating student from the degree or diploma programme in the School of Art at The University of Manitoba. This prize will be offered to a student who:

  1. has completed the BFA, BFA (Hon.) or Diploma in Art in the School of Art;
  2. has achieved the highest standing in all painting courses;
  3. has submitted the top‐ranked portfolio of paintings to the School of Art Awards Committee.

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Barbara Chase Bursary in Fine Arts

Award: 27481
Number of awards: variable

Through a bequest, an endowment fund was established at the University of Manitoba in 2018. The purpose of the fund is to support students in the School of Fine Arts. Each year, beginning in 2021-2022, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer bursaries to undergraduate students who:

  1. are enrolled full-time (minimum 60% course load) in the second year of study or higher in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in the School of Art;
  2. have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 2.5; and
  3. have demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form.

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

Carol E. Mills Memorial Scholarship for Painting/Printmaking

Award: 25434
Number of awards: 1

In memory of his wife, Mrs. Carol E. Mills (B.Ed./85), Mr. John Mills has established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba. The Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative has made a contribution to the fund. Carol was a talented painter and an art instructor. The Scholarship commemorates her dedication to both of these pursuits. The fund will be used to offer scholarships to students in the School of Art who work in painting and/or printmaking. The available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one scholarship to a student who:

  1. is enrolled full‐time (minimum 60% course load) or part‐time (minimum 40% course load), in the second, third, or fourth year of study, in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), the Bachelor of Fine Arts, or the Diploma in Art;
  2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0;
  3. has demonstrated originality and commitment to painting and/or printmaking.

Preference will be given to students who work with water‐based media, including watercolour, acrylic, and mixed‐media. 

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Cecil C. Richards Memorial Award for Sculpture

Award: 22739
Number of awards: variable

Through the bequest of Cecil Clarence Richards, R.C.A., an endowment fund was established at the University of Manitoba in 1982 to found the Cecil C. Richards Memorial Award. The purpose of the scholarship is to reward the academic achievements of students in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba with a focus on sculpture. Each year, one or more scholarships will be offered to undergraduate students who:

  1. are enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the third or fourth year of study in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) program;
  2. have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0; and
  3. in the opinion of the selection committee, have a sound background in sculpture.

Candidates are required to submit a portfolio in order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3).

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Crafts Guild of Manitoba Commemorative Bursary

Award: 24857
Number of awards: 1

In 2003, sales from looms donated by the Crafts Guild of Manitoba were used to establish a bursary to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students in Textile Sciences at the University of Manitoba. In 2019, the award was transitioned to the School of Art. Each year, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one bursary to an undergraduate student who:

  1. is enrolled full-time (minimum 60% course load) in their second year of study or higher in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in the School of Art;
  2. is enrolled in the Art Studio program with a focus on craft media;
  3. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 2.5; and
  4. has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form. 

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in early August. 

Dr. A.W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship

Award: 23884
Number of award: 1

The Dr. A.W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship shall be awarded on the basis of highest average standings irrespective of year and course (except that students in the graduating year shall be excluded). Students must have qualified for the Dean's Honour List in their faculty or school to be eligible for consideration for these scholarships.

To receive payment, the winner must register for, and remain enrolled in, a full normal course‐load (1) in the next succeeding year of his/her degree or diploma course, or (2) if the scholarship was awarded on the work of a year in Arts or Science which is the final year of the minimum prerequisite for entrance to another faculty (e.g., Law), in the first year of that faculty.

No application necessary.  Award will be offered based on academic achievement.

Don Reichert Memorial Bursary

Award: 26225
Number of awards: 1

Donald Reichert, Professor Emeritus, taught at the University of Manitoba for about 25 years, including a term as Director of the School of Art. His friends and family have contributed to an endowment fund in his memory to support students studying Painting. Beginning in 2017-2018, the available annual interest from the fund will be used to offer one bursary to an undergraduate student who:

  1. is enrolled full-time or part-time in year four in either the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) Studio program (final 30 credit hours) or the Diploma in Art program (final 12 credit hours), in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba;
  2. has completed 12 credit hours of courses focused on Painting;
  3. has achieved a minimum degree or diploma grade point average of 2.5;
  4. has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form.

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

Drache Scholarship in Art History

Award: 27362
Number of awards: 2

In recognition of their commitment to outstanding scholarship in Fine Arts, Arthur Drache and Judy Young Drache have caused a gift of to the University of Manitoba in 2019. The purpose of this annual scholarship is to reward the academic achievements of students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art History (Honours). Each year, beginning in 2020-2021 and ending in 2023-2024, two scholarships of $2,500 each will be offered to undergraduate students who:

  1. are enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the second year of study or higher in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art History (Honours) at the University of Manitoba; and
  2. have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5.

A student may hold this award more than once.

Candidates must submit a statement of interest in ArtConnect. 

Eleanor Wintemute Memorial Bursary

Award: 14758
Number of awards: 1

Through a generous gift to the University of Manitoba, the sister of Eleanor Wintemute has established a bursary fund in Ms. Wintemute’s memory. The Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative has also made a matching contribution to this fund. Eleanor Montague Wintemute was born in Winnipeg in 1906 and died here in 2001 at age 93. Her family has had a long association with the City of Winnipeg - her father had been a judge and her grandfather, a cabinet minister. She showed a talent for art from an early age and throughout her life she maintained an active interest in the artistic and decorative arts. She greatly enjoyed her work at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, especially in the Art in Schools Program, where she taught as a volunteer. She was also a long-time participant in the Women’s Art Study Group. Although she was skilled in both drawing and painting, she always regretted that she had never received professional training in art. Thus, she would have been especially pleased that her sister, whom she greatly respected, had established a bursary in her name designed to further the university training of students in fine arts. This fund is intended to offer much-needed assistance to students who face financial obstacles to pursuing postsecondary education. The available annual income from the fund shall provide one annual bursary, beginning in the winter of the 2003-2004 academic session. The bursary shall be offered to a student who:

  1. is enroled full-time in the first year of study in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba;
  2. has achieved a minimum average of 70% (or equivalent) on courses used for admission to the School of Art;
  3. has demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form.

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

Elsie Sinclair Memorial Bursary

Award: 23896
Numbers of awards: 1

In memory of Elsie Sinclair, who studied for a time at The Winnipeg School of Art, her husband, Edward Sinclair, and her daughter, Nancy D. Meyer, have established a fund with The University of Manitoba. The purpose of the fund is to provide bursaries to assist students in the School of Art who show strong promise in any field of art but whose financial difficulties may be interfering with their studies. The fund will offered biennially to a student who:

  1. has successfully completed first year with high standing in the degree or diploma program in the School of Art at The University of Manitoba;
  2. shows promise of continuing to complete work of merit in any art field;
  3. demonstrates financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form;
  4. continues in a second year with a minimum 80 percent course-load.

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

George Swinton Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous Students

Award: 25324
Number of awards: 1 

Family and friends of George Swinton have established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba to offer scholarships to Aboriginal students in the School of Art. George Swinton was a painter, a printmaker, and an art instructor who served as a faculty member in the School of Art from 1954 to 1974. George was an authority on Inuit art and this scholarship honours his connection with Canada's northern artists. One scholarship valued at $750 will be offered to a student who:

  1. is Aboriginal (Status, Non-Status, Metis, Inuit);
  2. is enrolled full-time (minimum 60% course load) or part‐time (minimum 40% course load), in any year of study, in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), the Bachelor of Fine Arts, or the Diploma in Art;
    1. has been successfully admitted to the School of Art; OR
    2. as a continuing student, has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0;
  3. shows promise of continuing to complete work of merit in any art field.

Preference will be given to a student who grew up in northern Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Gissur Eliason Memorial Scholarship

Award: 20985
Number of awards: 1 

In memorial tribute to Gissur Eliasson, for many years a professor in the School of Art of the University of Manitoba, earlier an instructor at the Winnipeg School of Art, and long respected as teacher and artist in the wider community, his family and friends established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba in 1981. The purpose of the fund is to reward the academic achievements of students in the School of Art who do outstanding work in the art field.

Each year, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one scholarship to an undergraduate student who:

  1. is enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the second year of study or higher in the any undergraduate program offered through the School of Art;
  2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
  3. according to the selection committee, performs at a high level in studio courses.

Candidates must submit a portfolio in order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3).

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Gloe Cormie Memorial Scholarship for Photography

Award: 27258
Number of awards: 1

In memory of Gloe Cormie (B.F.A. [Art History]/84), Jon Krocker (B.A. /83) will make an annual contribution to the University of Manitoba to support students pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. The purpose of the scholarship is to reward the academic achievements of students who are focusing on photography. Beginning in 2019–2020, one scholarship of $1,500 will be offered to an undergraduate student who:

  1. is enrolled full time (minimum 80% course load) in the third year of study in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program offered through the School of Art at the University of Manitoba;
  2. has completed Photography 1 (currently numbered STDO 2400);
  3. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
  4. has an intent to pursue photography.

In order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (4), candidates must submit a portfolio representing their interest in photography.

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Helga Miller Scholarship for Drawing/Watercolour Painting

Award: 22306
Number of awards: variable

The family of Helga Miller (B.A./’32, B.Ed./’60) established an endowment fund in her honour to the University of Manitoba in 1996. The Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative made a contribution to this fund. Helga Miller also received a diploma from the Winnipeg School of Art in 1935 and a B.A.(Hons) degree in children’s literature from the University of Winnipeg. She was an artist who was also an art teacher and a school librarian in Winnipeg for many years, and she encouraged her students to develop a lasting interest in both art and literature.The purpose of the fund is to reward the academic achievements of students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program with a focus on drawing and/or watercolour painting.

Each year, the available annual income from the award will be offered to one or more undergraduate students who:

  1. are enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in any year of study in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program offered through the School of Art;
  2. have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
  3. have a focus on drawing and/or watercolour painting.

Candidates are required to submit a portfolio in order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3).

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship

Award: 21751
Number of awards: 1

Isbister Undergraduate Scholarships are to be offered to students who:

  1. have been ranked above all competitors on the average of the grades on the subjects for which the scholarships are given (or in cases where more than one scholarship is offered, are members of a group that has been so ranked) or have become eligible through reversion; and
  2. have removed at the same examination period, or prior to it, any condition from a previous year that may have been registered against them.

The scholarship is to be used in the annual session following that of the examinations at which it was won. To receive payment, in the next succeeding academic year, the winner must be registered full‐time and in attendance at the University of Manitoba or an affiliated college (i) in the same degree course or (ii) in the first year of any other faculty (e.g., Law, Management), if the scholarship has been awarded based on course work completed in University 1, Arts, or Science that meets the minimum prerequisites for admission to that faculty.

Within the faculties and schools, Isbister Undergraduate Scholarships shall be awarded on the basis of highest related average standings irrespective of year and course, subject to the following two provisos:

  1. No Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship shall be awarded in the graduating year of any faculty or school;
  2. No distinction shall be made between general and honours students.

No application neccesary. Awards will offered based on academic achievement.

Janet Ian Cameron Memorial Bursary

Award: 20427
Number of awards: 1

In memory tribute to Janet Ian Cameron, B.F.A.(Hon.)'68, her family and friends have established a bursary fund at The University of Manitoba. The Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative has made a contribution to this fund. The bursary shall be awarded to a promising and deserving student who:

  1. has successfully completed with high standing the third year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hon.) program;
  2. registers in the next ensuing academic session in the fourth year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hon.) program.

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

Jocelyn C. Ryles Scholarship for Painting

Award: 27484
Number of awards: 1

Jocelyn C. Ryles, (née Highmoor) (B.A./’46) will make an annual contribution to the University of Manitoba to offer the Jocelyn C. Ryles Scholarship. The purpose of the award is to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of undergraduate students focusing on painting in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. Each year, beginning in 2021-2022 and ending in 2024-2025, one scholarship will be offered to an undergraduate student who:

  1. is enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the third year of study or higher in any undergraduate program offered by the School of Art;
  2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0; and
  3. has a focus on painting.

Candidates must submit a portfolio in order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3).

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Kenneth Finkelstein Prize in Sculpture

Award: 21110
Number of awards: 1

In memory of Kenneth Finkelstein, his sisters, Mrs. Lionel Rosebourne and Mrs. Pearl Silverstone, established a prize at the University of Manitoba in 1960. The purpose of the prize is to reward the achievements of students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the University of Manitoba with a focus on sculpture. Each year, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one prize to an undergraduate student who:

  1. was enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the second year of study or higher in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program offered through the School of Art in the year in which the award was tenable;
  2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
  3. has a focus on sculpture.

Candidates must submit a portfolio in order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3).

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Lydia Friesen Memorial Bursary in Fine Arts

Award: 24659
Number of awards: variable

Mrs. Lydia Friesen has bequeathed a generous gift to the University of Manitoba. This gift has created a bursary endowment fund which will provide much needed educational support to students in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. Mrs. Friesen worked as a teacher all her life, while actively and passionately pursuing her love of art as a hobby. She not only enjoyed and appreciated the creations of others, but she was an avid painter and maker of ceramics. She also enroled in numerous courses to hone her craft. A bursary, valued at the available annual income from the fund will be offered for the first time in the fall of 2003. It will be offered to students who:

  1. are enroled full-time in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba;
  2. have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0;
  3. have chosen to specialize in painting, sculpture, ceramics, or drawing;
  4. have demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form.

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

Lynn Sissons Memorial Scholarship for Watercolour Painting

Award: 23032
Number of awards: 1

Through a bequest to The Winnipeg Foundation, Lillian (Lynn) Sissons established an annual award at the University of Manitoba in 1986.  The purpose of the scholarship is to reward the academic achievements of students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program with a focus on watercolour painting. Each year, one award with a minimum value of $350 will be offered to an undergraduate student who:

  1. is enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in any year of study in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) program offered through the School of Art;
  2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
  3. has a focus on watercolour painting.

In order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3), candidates must submit a portfolio representing their focus in watercolour painting.

In the event that there are no eligible candidates who meet criterion (3), the scholarship may be awarded to students who meet criteria (1) and (2) with a focus on any painting media.

Candidates are required to submit a portfolio demonstrating their focus on painting.

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Mary Valentine Memorial Scholarship for Landscape Painting

Award: 27298
Number of awards: 1

In memory of Mary Valentine, family and friends have established an endowment fund to the University of Manitoba in 2016. The purpose of the scholarship is to reward the academic achievements of students with a focus on landscape painting in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Beginning in 2019–2020, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one scholarship to an undergraduate student who:

  1. is enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the fourth year of study in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) program offered through the School of Art at the University of Manitoba;
  2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
  3. has a focus on landscape painting.

In order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3), candidates must submit a portfolio representing their interest in landscape painting.

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Mitch Gowler Memorial Award for Drawing/Printmaking

Award: 21327
Number of awards: variable

In memory of Mitchell Glen Gowler, his classmates, instructors, and friends established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba in 1988. The Manitoba Scholarships and Bursaries Initiative made a contribution to this fund. The purpose of the fund is to reward the academic achievements of students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the University of Manitoba with a focus on advanced drawing and advanced printmaking.

Each year, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one or more prizes to undergraduate students who:

  1. were enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the second year of study or higher in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program offered through the School of Art in the year in which the award was tenable;
  2. have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
  3. have achieved the highest standing in a 3000-level Drawing course and/or a 3000-level Printmaking course with a minimum grade of B+.

Candidates must submit a statement of interest in ArtConnect.

Robert D. Bruce & Katharine M. Bruce Bursary

Award: 20387
Number of awards: variable

In memory of Robert D. Bruce, long a professor in the School of Art and a highly respected artist, his former students, colleagues, and friends have established a bursary the University of Manitoba in 1981. In 2017, his daughter, Katharine M. Bruce (B.F.A. /74), made a generous donation in memory of her father and in honour of her time at the University of Manitoba. The purpose of the fund is to support undergraduate students pursuing studies in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in the School of Art. Beginning in 2018–2019, the available annual interest from the fund will be used to offer one or more bursaries to undergraduate students who:

  1. are enrolled full-time (minimum 60% course load) in their second year of study or higher in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba;
  2. have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 2.5;
  3. have demonstrated financial need on the standard University of Manitoba bursary application form.

The Robert D. Bruce & Katharine M. Bruce Bursary is renewable for up to four years of study provided that the recipients continue to meet the criteria listed above. 

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

School of Art Award

Award: 22904
Number of awards: variable

The School of Art established an endowment fund at the University of Manitoba in 1987. The purpose of the fund is to recognize exceptional projects devoted to creative work and/or creative research in the visual arts. Each year, one or more scholarships will be offered to undergraduate students who:

  1. are enrolled part-time or full-time in the second year of study or higher in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) program in the School of Art;
  2. have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0; and
  3. in the opinion of the selection committee, have completed exceptional projects devoted to creative work and/or creative research.

Candidates are required to submit a portfolio in order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3).

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Shanski Fine Arts Bursary

Award: 22969
Number of awards: 1

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Shanski have established a bursary fund at The University of Manitoba. From this fund a bursary, valued at the available annual interest, will be awarded annually, beginning in January, 1983. Both interest and principal may be used, if necessary, for payment of this bursary. This bursary will be awarded to a student who:

  1. has made good progress and shown promise in the first term (September to December) in any of the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of the study program in Fine Arts;
  2. continues in the second term (January to April-May) of the Fine Arts program;
  3. has made application for bursary consideration.

Application instructions: To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

Stephen Walter Mical Scholarship in Fine Arts

Award: 27321
Number of awards: variable

In honour of Stephen Walter Mical, an endowment fund has been established at the University of Manitoba in 2018. The purpose of the fund is to reward the academic achievements of undergraduate students pursuing studies in the School of Art with an interest in Ukrainian art. Beginning in 2020-2021, the available annual income from the fund will be used to offer one or more scholarships to undergraduate students who:

  1. are enrolled full-time (minimum 80% course load) in the second or subsequent year of study in the School of Art at the University of Manitoba;
  2. have achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5; and
  3. have demonstrated an interest in Art historical research on work by Ukrainian artists.

In order to demonstrate how they meet criterion (3), candidates are required to submit to the School of Art an essay (maximum 3,000 words) outlining their interest in Art historical research on work by Ukrainian artists.

In the event that there are no eligible candidates that meet criterion (3), the award may go students who meet criteria (1) and (2).

Takao Tanabe Scholarship for Painting

Award: 25964
Number of awards: 1

Through a donor directed fund housed within the Vancouver Foundation, Mr. Takao Tanabe has established an annually funded award at the University of Manitoba. The purpose of the scholarship is to support a student in the School of Art. Beginning in the 2013-2014 academic year, one scholarship valued at $2,500 will be offered to an undergraduate student who:

  1. is enrolled full-time in third year in a Major in Painting within the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), Studio Program;
  2. has a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5.

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

Tania (Tye) Asper Memorial Prize for Painting

Award: 30150
Number of awards: 1 

A fund has been established at The University of Manitoba in memory of Tania (Tye) Asper. From this fund, a prize valued at up to 70 percent of the income, shall be awarded annually to the student who:

  1. has completed a program in the School of Art and is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree or with a Diploma in Art in painting (thesis or workshop) and;
  2. deserves recognition, in the opinion of the selection committee, for exceptional work in painting over the course of the entire program.

Candidates must submit a portfolio (.pdf) in ArtConnect.

MFA awards and scholarships

In addition to the awards offered through the Faculty of Graduate Studies, MFA students are eligible for awards through the School of Art, external organizations, provincial and federal programs and art competitions.

First-year awards and scholarships:

David and Gursh Barnard Graduate Bursary

One bursary for a full-time graduate student enrolled in first-year of the MFA program having achieved a minimum DGPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) with a demonstrated financial need.

Approximate Value: $6,425

Application instructions:  To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. Please email us at mfainfo@umanitoba.ca for more information.

Nora Jane Rowe Bursary

One bursary for a full-time graduate student enrolled in first-year of the MFA program having achieved a minimum DGPA of 3.0 (or equivalent). Recipient must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with a demonstrated financial need.

Approximate Value: $3,275

Application instructions:  To apply, fill out the University of Manitoba General Bursary application in the Aurora Student Portal. Applications will be available in August. 

 

Second-year awards and scholarships:

James Barclay Hartman Scholarship in Fine Arts

Two annual scholarships for full-time graduate students who have developed the strongest bodies of work as determined by the selection committee.

Approximate Value: $6,625 each

Application instructions: Submit examples of work, in digital format (jpeg), an artist statement and artwork reference list to ArtConnect on UMLearn. Please email us at mfainfo@umanitoba.ca for more information.

Marvin and Irma (Irmagard a.) Penn Scholarship in Fine Arts

One scholarship for a full-time graduate student who has submitted the best project grant proposal to complete the final stages of the studio engagement or exhibition component for the Master’s Thesis.

Approximate Value: $3,175

Application instructions: Submit copy of thesis proposal, balanced budget and proposal with expected date of completion to ArtConnect on UMLearn. Please email us at mfainfo@umanitoba.ca for more information.

Rosemary and Cliff Kowalsky Scholarship

One scholarship for a full-time student enrolled in second year of the MFA program having achieved a DGPA of 3.5 (or equivalent) based on coursework in the first year.

Approximate Value: $1,525

Application instructions: Submit a brief description of work and development and an artwork reference list to ArtConnect on UMLearn. Please email us at mfainfo@umanitoba.ca for more information.

David and Gursh Barnard Graduate Scholarship in Fine Arts

One scholarship for a full-time graduate student enrolled in second year of the MFA program having achieved a DGPA of 3.5 (or equivalent) based on coursework in the first year.

Approximate Value: $6,425

Application instructions: Submit examples of work, in digital format (jpeg), an artist statement and artwork reference list to ArtConnect on UMLearn. Please email us at mfainfo@umanitoba.ca for more information.

External awards

Mona Gray Creative Arts Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. Applicants must be a Bachelor’s Degree graduate of a Manitoba university and be pursuing graduate studies in one of the following areas: creative writing, film, fine arts, music, theatre, dance or photography. This is a $5,000 award based on artistic merit, financial need, community involvement and academic achievement.

Please visit the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba's website for the Application Form and Guidelines.

To be eligible for the Mona Gray Creative Arts Scholarship, an applicant:

  • must be a Bachelor’s Degree graduate of a Manitoba university; and
  • must be pursuing graduate studies within or outside the Province of Manitoba in one of the following areas: creative writing; film; fine arts; music; theatre; dance; photography; and
  • must not be a prior recipient of this scholarship

The Foundation Education award Committee reserves the right not to award these scholarships each year and to request an interview for any of these awards.

Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW)

CFUW Elizabeth Massey Award

CFUW Elizabeth Massey Award, valued at $2,000 and established in 2006, is in memory of Elizabeth Massey, a young lawyer and member of CFUW whose life was greatly enriched by her love of the creative arts. For post-graduate studies in music, painting or sculpture in Canada or abroad.

CFUW Dr. Alice E. Wilson Awards

CFUW Dr. Alice E. Wilson Awards, valued at $6,000, is two (2) awards at the master's level and three (3) for doctoral level study. Dr. Alice E. Wilson, CFUW member, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the first woman to hold a professional position at the Geological Survey of Canada, won the 1926 CFUW Travelling Fellowship. Awarded to mature students returning to graduate studies in any field, with special consideration given to those returning to study after at least three years.

 Visit the Canadian Federation of University Women website for application details.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
Master's Scholarships

The Joseph-Armand Bombardier scholarship has a value of $17,500. Emphasis is on the research which in the fine arts context includes students working towards their master’s thesis or exhibition. University of Manitoba FGS has a quota of 32 grants. Applications are first assessed by the School of Art and then, if approved, are forwarded to Faculty of Graduate Studies which reviews them again. If approved at this level, they are forwarded to SSHRC. The School of Art application deadline is in mid-October, and results are announced by SSHRC in the following spring. The application form is available for completion online and is then printed for distribution for departmental appraisal. SSHRC and the University host a fall presentation for potential applicants via the web.

Manitoba Arts Council Student Bursary Program

Up to $3,000 for Graduate Students studying in Canada. Permanent Manitoba residents are eligible.

Application deadline: June 1

For more information visit the Manitoba Arts Council website.

Manitoba Arts Council
525 - 93 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3B1
Phone: 204-945-2237
Toll Free: 1-866-994-2787
Fax: 204-945-5925

Winnipeg Arts Council

There is no program to fund academic studies, although MFA students who are permanent Winnipeg residents would be eligible to apply for projects that are outside their school program work. For more information visit the Winnipeg Arts Council website.

Contact
Winnipeg Arts Council
103-110 Princess Street
Winnipeg MB R3B 1K7
Phone: 204-943-7668
Fax: 204-943-8669
Email: info@winnipegarts.ca

Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation

The objective of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation is to promote, by its charitable activities, an appreciation of traditional expression in painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking by aiding worthy art students, artists or sculptors who need further training or other assistance during their formative years. Awards are limited to candidates in the early stages of their careers and who are working in a representational style in painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking. The terms of the Foundation's Charter preclude consideration of non-objective art.

To be eligible for a grant, candidates must: 

  • have already started or completed training in an established school of art, and/or
  • demonstrate, through past work and future plans, a commitment to making art a lifetime career.

The Foundation will not accept applications from commercial artists, photographers, video; artists, filmmakers, craft-makers or any artist whose work falls primarily into these categories.

First grants are in the amount of $15,000 each, and second and third grants are in the amount of $18,000 each. The Foundation reserves the right to award grants in other amounts.

Visit the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation website to download an application form.

Competitions

Canadian Painting Competition

Established in 1999, the RBC Canadian Painting Competition, with the support of the Canadian Art Foundation, is a unique initiative to help nurture and support promising new artists in the early stages of their careers; a time when they need both recognition and financial support.

A regional jury panel of distinguished members of the arts community, will select five paintings from their regions as follows: Eastern (Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador), Central (Ontario) and Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut). The three jury panels will then select one national winner and two honourable mentions from the 15 semi-finalists. The national winner will receive $25,000 and the two honourable mentions will each receive $15,000. The 15 semi-finalists will be announced in June and the winners in October.

Information about the competition will be posted in February on the RBC website.

Joseph Plaskett Award

Funded by The Joseph Plaskett Foundation. Administered by the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA). Established in 2004 by the artist Joe Plaskett, the Joseph Plaskett Award provides $25,000 to help fund an emerging Canadian painter who will live, create artwork, travel or study in Europe (may include the UK) for the better part of one year.

The candidate chosen for the Plaskett Award will be: 

  • an outstanding emerging Canadian artist in the field of painting.
  • a Canadian student currently enrolled or accepted in a master's program in Canada with a practice specialization of painting, or having recently (within 12 months) obtained a master's degree with a specialization of painting.

To find more information, including application deadlines, visit the Joseph Plaskett website.