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

To be eligible for the 2021 Whittenberg Scholarship for Performing Arts Excellence, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• From the Greater Louisville region – Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer Counties in Kentucky and Clark and Floyd Counties in Indiana.
• Between the ages of 16 and 22.
• 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, etc.)

• 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.

2021 Program Timeline

Week of March 22	Applications open
April 30	Applications due by 11:59pm EST. Late entries cannot be accepted.
Week of May 3	Audition invites sent to select applicants
Week of May 17	Auditions – exact date, time, and location TBA.   Fund for the Arts staff are closely monitoring COVID-19 and local and state health protocols. Our goal is to hold auditions in-person in Louisville. If you are invited to audition, but unable to attend in-person, you will be offered the opportunity to audition virtually.
Week of May 24	Scholarship recipient(s) announced via email.

 

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online through the Fund for the Arts (FFTA) website.

Start a New Application

Continue Working on a Saved Application

 

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 or audio) 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.
• Description of performing arts goals and financial need.
• Performance and relevant experience history.
• 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.
• 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.

Questions?

Please contact Jordan Turpin at jturpin@fundforthearts.org or (502) 320-3546.