10/08/2026
Central Otago Art Society Emerging Artists Scholarship - $5000
Emerging visual artists with a connection to Central Otago have another opportunity to invest in their artistic development, with the Central Otago Art Society Emerging Artist Scholarship returning for its second year.
The $5,000 annual scholarship was launched in 2025 to support and nurture emerging talent in the visual arts and provide financial assistance for professional development opportunities.
Central Otago Art Society Scholarship Co-ordinator Katie Robinson said the society was pleased to offer the scholarship for a second year and continue supporting emerging artists in the region.
“This initiative recognises the vital role the arts play in shaping the region’s identity and aims to support early-career creatives by helping them access mentorship, materials, studio space, courses or exhibition opportunities.”
The scholarship is open to visual artists of any age who have a connection to Central Otago and are in the early stages of their artistic practice, generally within their first five years.
The $5,000 scholarship is intended specifically for professional development within the arts. This could include specialised tutoring or mentorship, workshops and courses, artist-grade materials and supplies, limited-term studio space, or exhibition costs directly related to professional development.
Vice President Rebekah de Jong said the flexibility of the scholarship allowed recipients to identify the areas of their practice where support would make the greatest difference.
“The scholarship is designed to support artists in whatever way will have the greatest impact on their development. We want to give emerging artists the opportunity to identify what they need to take the next step in their practice and then use the scholarship to make that possible.”
Following the success of the inaugural scholarship in 2025, the Central Otago Art Society is pleased to continue the initiative as an annual opportunity for emerging artists to develop their practice, build their skills and take the next step in their creative careers.
Applications close 6 September 2026.
For details, eligibility criteria and the full Terms and Conditions, visit:
Central Otago Art Society Emerging Artist Scholarship
Media contact:
Katie Robinson
Scholarship Co-ordinator
Central Otago Art Society
[email protected]
