*Update as of March 20: Fund for the Arts has been monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 situation, and with this in mind we are extending the application deadline to Monday, April 6, at 11:59 PM. We recognize that this situation is evolving, and should that deadline need to change again we will provide updates at that time.

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Jamie Monck at grants@fundforthearts.org. We greatly appreciate your flexibility and patience!*

The William Tolbert Whittenberg Scholarship for Performing Arts Excellence awards young artists up to $10,000 to pursue advanced study in the performing arts.

Applicant Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• From the Greater Louisville region
– Greater Louisville is defined as Jefferson, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer and Oldham Counties in Kentucky and Clark and Floyd Counties in Indiana.
• Between the ages of 16 and 20
• Must plan to pursue a professional career in the performing arts

Award Details
• Scholarship up to $10,000
• Scholarship funds must solely be used for advanced professional training in the performing arts, such as:
– Training Experience (tuition, apprenticeship, seminar, workshop, etc.)
– Accommodation & Living Costs (rent, meals, communication, etc.)
• The award may NOT be used for the purchase of instruments or equipment.
• Funds will not be awarded if such award will reduce or replace other financial support available to the applicant.

Program Timeline
Round 1

• All applications submitted by March 23 are reviewed by a panel of performing arts experts. Selections to advance to Round 2 are based on talent, career intent, and financial need.
• January 31, 2020 Applications Open
• April 6, 2020 Applications Due by 11:59 pm EST. Late entries cannot be accepted.

Round 2

• After all eligible applications are considered, applicants chosen to advance to Round 2 will be asked to audition for the panel. The number of awards given and the amounts are to the discretion of the panel.
• April 2020 Round 2 Finalists invited via email to audition
• May 2020 Auditions held in Louisville, KY. Date and location TBD.
• Late May 2020 Scholarship Recipient(s) announced via email

How to Apply

To start a new application, CLICK HERE

To access a saved application, CLICK HERE

Be prepared to provide:

• Two (2) letters of recommendation. The letters should detail the reference’s relationship to the applicant (length of time known, capacity, etc.) as well as why the reference supports the applicant.
• Two (2) recordings (video) of your performance. Recordings may be no more than 5 min. each, and must be uploaded to YouTube. In the online application form, you’ll be asked to share YouTube links.

-Recordings need not be professionally produced, but take care to ensure they are of the best possible quality.

-If you need help creating your recordings please email Jamie at grants@fundforthearts.org.

-Description of performing arts goals and financial need

-Artistic Resume conveying performance and relevant history and experience.

-Description of how funds will be used (tuition for school, training camp, etc.)

Scholarship Payment
Payment will be submitted directly to the facility or organization providing the advanced professional training. Additional details provided upon notification.

Scholarship Recipient Requirements
• Write thank you letter to Ms. Joan Whittenberg, who has, along with her family, generously made this scholarship possible for more than 30 years
• Write a letter to FFTA providing an update on professional personal accomplishments
• Stay in touch with the FFTA through direct correspondence and/or social media
• Additional details provided upon receiving the award

Contact Information
Questions? Please contact Jamie Monck at grants@fundforthearts.org or
(502) 882-8695.

The scholarship is made possible by the generous support of Joan Whittenberg in honor of William Tolbert Whittenberg.