Rebecca J. O'Neill Scholarship

General Information
  • The student(s) selected for this scholarship will be eligible to be considered for a one-time $1000 scholarship to be used toward their pursuit of a college degree in an art related field.
  • The scholarship awards will be made payable to the educational institution that the student attends for the benefit of the recipient.
  • The 2023 Scholarship Application Deadline is May 15, 2023, no late applications will be considered. 
  • Students must send a letter of application postmarked by May 15, 2023, to Artstarts Company, P. O. Box 1005, Marion, IL 62959
  • The letter should describe:
    • The student’s general experience in the arts.
    • How the student has demonstrated a commitment to their chosen field of art.
    • How the student has contributed to the community of Southern Illinois through their work in art or performing arts.
    • The student should include all Artstarts Company programs they have contributed to in their application letter.
  • Should the scholarship committee determine a need to view the applicant’s artwork or interview the student then this will need to be completed within a reasonable amount of time to be considered for the scholarship.
  • Scholarship applicants are encouraged to submit resumes and references to accompany their letters of application.
 
Who is eligible to apply?
  • Students who graduate high school in 2023 are eligible to apply.
  • Students must reside in one of the following counties in Southern Illinois in order to be eligible: Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, and Williamson.
  • In order to be eligible, the student must be pursuing or plan to pursue a college education in the arts: performing arts, music, dance, theater, film, writing, painting, drawing, sculpture, graphic design, or other forms of creative art.
 
Considerations
  • The Scholarship Committee will give weight to the student’s demonstrated commitment to their chosen field of art. For example, if a student desires to pursue a degree in performing arts, the committee will consider the student’s previous participation in the performing arts. If a student desires to pursue a music degree, the committee will consider the student’s participation in various forms of music, both instrumental and vocal. If a student desires to pursue an art degree, the committee will consider the student’s participation in art exhibits and art competitions and may consider viewing the student’s artwork. If a student desires to pursue a degree in photography or film, the committee will consider the student’s demonstrated work in these areas.
  • The Scholarship Committee will also give special consideration to the applicant’s participation in any programs offered by Artstarts Company. For example, in the Fall of 2022, Artstarts Company produced Hello, Dolly! If the applicant participated in this musical as a cast member or helped with the productions through direction, stage management, set build or design, or designed artwork for the musical or production, the applicant’s participation or contribution toward the production would be given special consideration toward selection of that person for the scholarship. Lack of participation in any Artstarts Company program will not disqualify a student from receiving the scholarship.
  • The Scholarship Committee will also take into consideration the conduct of candidates because Artstarts takes pride in recognizing upstanding young citizens. Instances of inappropriate behavior could effect your eligibility.
  • The Scholarship Committee will ultimately choose the student that has met the above criteria and whom the committee determines has most demonstrated excellence and made a substantial contribution to the community of Southern Illinois by sharing their talent. 
  • Recipients of the scholarship are asked to ‘GIVE BACK’ to the Southern Illinois arts community by volunteering 25 hours in one year toward programming offered by Artstarts Company. This work must be approved by the President of Artstarts or the Artstarts Executive Board. If the recipient is unable to commit to this they are not eligible to apply.
 
Questions?
Email us at [email protected] or call 618 694-1699.