AFA — Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship
AB, Canada
Annual $7,000 scholarship for talented young Albertan writers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 04, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship awards a $7,000 scholarship annually to young Albertan writers demonstrating extraordinary talent and clear educational or training goals in eligible literary genres. This program supports enrollment in programs such as undergraduate literary arts studies, workshops, or courses focused on creative writing, excluding graduate programs.
grant_single_labels|projects
This scholarship supports educational and training programs in the literary arts for young Albertan writers. The eligible projects focus on enhancing skills and creative abilities across various writing genres.
- Enrollment in any level of undergraduate studies with a minor or major in literary arts or creative writing.
- Participation in a recognized program or appropriate mentorship focused on literary arts or creative writing.
- Attendance at workshops, master classes, or courses with a focus on literary arts or creative writing.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this scholarship is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's residency, age, educational goals, and training program enrollment.
- The applicant must be a resident of Alberta, Canada, meaning they are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person with an open study permit from inside Canada, have had their primary residence in Alberta for one full year before applying, or ordinarily live in Alberta for at least six months each year except while attending a formal program of study.
- The applicant must be 25 years or younger as of the application deadline.
- The applicant must be enrolled in an eligible writing training program, which includes undergraduate studies with a minor or major in literary arts or creative writing, or a recognized program, appropriate mentorship, workshop, master class, or course with a focus on literary arts/creative writing.
- Graduate programs or their equivalents are ineligible.
- International students in Canada on a visa without permanent residency status are ineligible.
- Applicants who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and are studying via the Internet or online courses are ineligible.
- Applicants previously awarded an AFA grant must have met reporting requirements to be eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible individuals for this scholarship must be young writers aged 25 years or younger as of the application deadline, residing in Alberta. They must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons with an open study permit from within Canada. Applicants must demonstrate residency in Alberta for one full year prior to applying, or usually reside in Alberta for at least six months each year, except when attending an eligible writing training program. The scholarship particularly encourages submissions from diverse communities including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. However, international students on a visa without permanent residency status, and those studying in programs located outside of Canada, are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The scholarship covers only enrollment-related expenses for eligible literary arts educational or training programs.
- Enrollment fees for eligible writing programs, such as undergraduate studies with a minor or major in literary arts or creative writing.
- Tuition fees for recognized programs, appropriate mentorships, workshops, master classes, or courses focused on literary arts/creative writing, mentioned in the application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is specifically for individual residents of Alberta, Canada. Eligible applicants must have lived in Alberta for at least one year prior to applying.
- Individuals must be residents of Alberta, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship are based on specific criteria to assess the merit and potential impact of the applicants and their proposed programs.
- The applicant's artistic ability is assessed based on the artistic merit of the writing submission.
- The merit and appropriateness of the proposed program(s) are evaluated in the context of the applicant's literary arts goals and interests.
- The impact of the proposed program(s) on the artistic development of the applicant is considered.
- The applicant's achievements and experience in the literary arts to date are reviewed.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Obtain GATE Login Credentials
- Email registrationafa@gov.ab.ca at least five business days prior to the application deadline to request a GATE Front Office username and password.
- Include your legal name, the funding opportunity name, and your email address in the email.
- Await receipt of your login information via the email you provided.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Write a letter introducing yourself and your experience in literary arts.
- Create a resume or curriculum vitae focused on artistic activity.
- Gather proof of acceptance to an eligible writing training program or prepare detailed descriptions for up to three program choices if not yet accepted.
- Prepare a creative writing submission of at least 15 pages.
- Obtain a current and signed letter of reference.
- Gather legal proof of age, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport.
- Step 3: Complete Online Application in GATE
- Log into the GATE Front Office using your credentials.
- Fill out all necessary online forms, including applicant information and project description.
- Upload all required attachments, such as your letter, resume, proof of age, writing submission, and letter of reference.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Ensure all components of the application are complete and accurate.
- Submit your application through the GATE Front Office before the deadline (11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on March 3, 2025).
- For any large support materials, email them separately using the specified format, or mail hard copies if necessary, ensuring they are sent by the deadline.
- Step 5: Confirm Submission
- Ensure you receive notification of submission from GATE Front Office.
- Keep a copy of all submitted materials and confirmation for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian e-sign the Applicant Agreement.
- Only one application per deadline is allowed per applicant.
- Grant decisions are made by the AFA board and are final; no panel comments will be provided to applicants.
- Funds must be used for the intended educational or training program, and proof of enrollment must be confirmed within 60 days of the award date.
- An expert panel assesses applications based on the merit of the artistic submission, proposed programs, and applicant's achievements to date.
- Grant recipients may be subject to audit to ensure funds are used as intended.
- Applications are submitted through the GATE Front Office online system, and first-time users need to register at least five business days before the deadline.
grant_single_labels|contact
brenda.l.hennig@gov.ab.ca
780-427-9968
Apply to this program
Support for Young Albertan Writers
The $7,000 Literary Arts Scholarship is a significant opportunity for young aspiring writers in Alberta, designed to nurture extraordinary talent in various literary genres. Available annually, this scholarship supports those with clear educational or training goals in the literary arts field.
Exploring the Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship
The Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship is a pivotal initiative by the Government of Alberta aimed at fostering literary talent among young individuals residing in Alberta. This scholarship provides a substantial grant of $7,000, awarded once annually to an Albertan writer aged 25 years or younger who demonstrates exceptional talent and artistic promise in eligible literary genres such as fiction, poetry, plays, and literary non-fiction. By supporting these emerging artists, the scholarship not only invests in their artistic development but also enriches the cultural milieu of Alberta and Canada at large.
Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons with open study permits residing in Alberta for at least one full year before applying. This ensures that the scholarship supports local talent and contributes to the development of the province's artistic community. Furthermore, the scholarship highlights a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Eligible candidates must be actively enrolled in a writing-focused educational or training program. These programs can be at the undergraduate level, minor or major in literary arts or creative writing, or recognized workshops, mentorships, master classes, or courses dedicated to literary arts. Notably, graduate and equivalent programs are excluded, honing in the support on the foundational and intermediate stages of literary education, where support can make a significant difference in shaping a young writer’s career.
The application process for this scholarship is detailed and requires careful attention to ensure eligibility. Candidates must submit their applications via the Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) Front Office online application system. Necessary documentation includes a two-page personal letter highlighting their experience and aspirations in the literary arts, a resume detailing past artistic activities, proof of age, and an original creative writing submission in one of the eligible genres. Importantly, submissions must be original and adhere to the Canadian Copyright Act to qualify.
After submission, applications are evaluated by an expert panel convened by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) staff. This panel evaluates based on artistic ability, the merit of the proposed educational program, and the potential impact on the applicant's future development. This rigorous and fair assessment process guarantees that the scholarship is awarded to a candidate with significant potential to contribute meaningfully to the literary arts.
Confirmation of enrollment in the proposed educational initiative is required post-award within 60 days, ensuring that the funding is directed towards the intended educational endeavors. Once granted, the scholarship provides essential support, allowing budding writers the financial freedom to focus on honing their craft and contributing to the literary arts. Through such targeted support, the Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship seeks to cultivate a vibrant future for literary excellence in Alberta, expanding the horizons for young writers and enriching the province's cultural heritage.
