Master of Fine Arts Scholarship Competition and Exhibition, USA

Master of Fine Arts Scholarship Competition and Exhibition, USA

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Scholarship Competition and Exhibition, offered by the Allied Arts Association, is a distinctive award designed for emerging visual artists pursuing their MFA degrees in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Unlike traditional scholarships, this program combines financial support with professional exhibition experience, making it an invaluable stepping stone for serious artists.

Below is everything you need to know about this competition, including degree level, subjects, nationality, eligibility, benefits, application process, and frequently asked questions.

Scholarship at a Glance

• Scholarship Name: Master of Fine Arts Scholarship Competition and Exhibition
  
• Total Amount: $4,000
  
• Degree Level: Graduate (Master of Fine Arts – MFA)
  
• Subjects: Visual Arts (all disciplines – painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, digital arts, etc.)
  
• Nationality: Not explicitly restricted (open to MFA students enrolled in eligible state universities)
  
• Geographic Eligibility: Open only to MFA students enrolled at universities in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho
  
• Deadline: March 27, 2027
  
• Awards Available: Varies (may be one or more winners)
  
• Notification: Not specified (contact committee for timeline)
  
• Exhibition Opportunity: Yes – selected work may be included in an Allied Arts Association exhibit

Degree Level

Graduate – specifically Master of Fine Arts (MFA) students only. MA or other graduate degrees in art are not explicitly mentioned; check with the committee.

Available Subjects

Visual arts, including but not limited to:

• Painting and drawing

• Sculpture and ceramics

• Photography and digital media

• Printmaking

• Mixed media and installation art

• Fiber arts and textiles

Benefits

• Cash Award: $4,000 (one-time)

• Exhibition Opportunity: Your work may be included in an Allied Arts Association exhibit (subject to space and approval)

• Professional Recognition: Gain visibility as an emerging artist

• Portfolio Credential: Selection based on artistic merit adds prestige to your CV

Important Note: The scholarship description states: "No award will be made if the judges agree no candidate meets appropriate standards." This is a competitive, merit-only competition.

Eligible Nationalities

• State Residency (Critical): You must be currently enrolled in a university located in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. Online programs based outside these states likely do not qualify.

• Program Status: You must have:

  • Completed at least one term of your MFA program, AND

  • Have at least one term remaining in your program at the time of application.

• Citizenship: Not specified. Contact the committee if you are an international student studying at an eligible U.S. university.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Current Year in School: Graduate – MFA student

2. Enrollment Status: Completed at least one term; at least one term remaining

3. Geography: Enrolled at a university in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho

4. Major: Visual Arts MFA

5. Selection Basis: Artistic merit only

Application Procedure

Prepare the following materials and submit them to alliedartsmfa@gmail.com (or by mail to the address below).

Required Documents:

1. Artist's Statement – 250 words maximum

   • Explain your artistic vision, themes, and creative process.

2. Registrar Documentation – Proof of current enrollment in an appropriate MFA program

   • A letter or official document showing you have completed at least one term and have at least one term remaining.

3. One-Page Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Professional resume for artists

   • Include education, exhibitions, awards, publications, and relevant experience.

4. 6 to 12 Images of Your Work – JPEG format only

   • Max file size: 500 KB per image

   • Ensure high-quality but compressed images.

5. Image Identification Document – Separate document (Word or PDF)

   • For each image, list: Title, Size (inches or cm), Medium, Date created

Submission Instructions:

• Email: Send all materials to alliedartsmfa@gmail.com

• Mail (if needed):

  • Scholarship Committee

  • Gallery at the Park

  • 89 Lee Boulevard

  • Richland, WA 99352

• Phone: 509-943-9815

Important Notes:

• Be prepared for your work to be included in the Allied Arts exhibit if selected (subject to space and approval).

• No award is guaranteed – judges may decline to give the scholarship if no candidate meets standards.