Visual Art & Design Scholarship
Crafting Your Future - Inspiring the Next Generation of Visual Storytellers
At Briar Cliff University, we celebrate creativity and invest in the next generation of artists. Whether your passion lies in graphic design, painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, or other visual arts disciplines, our scholarship opportunities are designed to recognize your talent and support your artistic journey. Awards are based on admission materials and portfolio submissions, allowing your creativity to shine from the very start.
The Visual Art & Design Scholarship honors students who demonstrate artistic talent, originality, and passion across multiple disciplines. Awards of up to $5,000 per year support full-time first-year or transfer students who are accepted to BCU, submit a portfolio, and show strong potential for growth as artists. Scholarship recipients gain mentorship from faculty, access to professional-grade studios, and opportunities to exhibit their work on campus and in the community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
| Who is eligible for the Visual Art & Design Scholarship? |
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Incoming first-year or transfer students accepted to Briar Cliff University who plan to pursue visual arts or graphic design and enroll full-time.
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| Do I need to submit a portfolio? |
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Yes. Applicants must submit a digital portfolio (up to 10 pieces) showcasing their creativity, technique, and artistic voice.
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| Can transfer students or graduate students apply for this scholarship? |
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Yes. Transfer students are eligible provided they meet the same admission, enrollment, and portfolio requirements.
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| What types of artworks should the portfolio include? |
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Your portfolio may include work in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, digital art, or other visual media that best represents your artistic vision.
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| Who reviews the portfolios and awards the scholarship? |
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Portfolios are evaluated by Briar Cliff’s art and design faculty, such as Associate Professor Rich Yates and Assistant Professor Thomas Wharton and, based on originality, skill, and potential.
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| Is there a minimum GPA or academic requirement to keep the scholarship? |
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Yes. Recipients must maintain academic progress and meet ongoing eligibility requirements as defined by the department and the university.
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| Can this scholarship be combined with other awards? |
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Yes. It can be combined with academic, athletic, or Promise Scholarships as long as eligibility and academic progress criteria are still met.
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| How long does the scholarship last? |
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The scholarship is renewable for multiple years, contingent on maintaining eligibility, participating in department and campus activities, and staying engaged in the art and design community.
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| Are there responsibilities for recipients besides academics? |
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Yes. Scholars are expected to contribute to the art department (gallery work, studio support), stay active in the Art & Design Club, and participate in exhibitions or community art and design projects.
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| What benefits do Visual Art & Design Scholars receive? |
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Along with financial support, scholars gain access to studio and gallery spaces, mentorship from faculty and visiting artists, opportunities to exhibit and build a professional portfolio, and a creative community at BCU.
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Maddy Dishaw Showcases Senior Graphic Design Work at Briar Cliff
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Rich Yates
“I get to see [students] go from being frustrated with their skills to realizing that they will be very valued by an employer…You see the light in their eyes when they ‘get it,’ and that is the best moment."
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