Nova Scotia Talent Trust announces new Curtis Botham Scholarship

The new $1,000 Curtis Botham Scholarship will be presented in 2022 to Talent Trust visual arts applicant, studying at NSCAD University in fine arts (drawing and painting), working towards a Bachelor's degree or doing one of NSCAD's residency programs.

Botham states: "My first scholarship from the Nova Scotia Talent Trust marked the beginning of an extremely transformative time in my life, where I realized that the awards, grants and residencies that I was too intimidated to apply for were actually within my reach; that it was possible to make a living as an artist with the support of organizations like the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, Arts Nova Scotia and others. After I graduated from NSCAD University, I saw a lot of very talented artists who I fervently believe could get grants as well, but feel similar to how I did--that those things are only for highly accomplished, very traditional artists. For me, it was that first scholarship that showed me that I, along with many other artists, could do it. That art of all media and techniques were routinely given support. And this year, five years after graduating, I find myself in a position where I can finally give back, and hopefully light that ambitious spark in another artist. That's why I specified that my scholarship go towards an artist with relatively few accomplishments under their belt, while showing an untapped potential deserving of recognition. I hope it can offer the same encouragement that I needed to get started on a career as a professional artist."

Botham was the winner of the Charlotte Wilson-Hammond/VANS Award in 2017 and the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award in 2018.

"Nova Scotia Talent Trust is incredibly grateful for the generous gift from former scholarship recipient Curtis Botham.  This scholarship will not only provide financial support for an emerging artist, but also a vote of confidence as they pursue their dreams.  It is wonderful to see the impact the scholarship had on Curtis' journey to become a professional artist, and truly inspirational to see him pay it forward to another emerging artist.  Thank you, Curtis!", states Andrea Urquhart, Executive Director NSTT.

About Curtis Botham
Curtis Botham graduated from NSCAD University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2017. Since then, he has won numerous grants and awards, including in 2018 the 2011 Canada Games Young Artists of Excellence Award and in 2017 the Charlotte Wilson-Hammond/VANS Award both through the Talent Trust, plus grants from Arts Nova Scotia and the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation.  
His artwork has been displayed in numerous galleries around Nova Scotia, as well as published in numerous journals and magazines, and some of his drawings are part of the permanent collection of the Nova Scotia Art Bank. 
In 2022, he plans on creating large-scale drawings focusing on Nova Scotia’s fishing industry and the people who work in it. 

To inquire about purchasing any of the displayed work, contact: ctbotham@gmail.com; More of his artwork can be seen at: curtisbotham.weebly.com.

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