Welcome Susan Hanrahan and Michelle Lahey to the Talent Trust Board of Directors

The Nova Scotia Talent Trust Annual General Meeting was held on May 30, 2022.  It was wonderful to come together to reflect on the 2021-22 fiscal year, and NSTT's 77th year serving the arts community! 

The successes, growth, and support the Talent Trust offers to Nova Scotia's emerging artists wouldn't happen without the support of our Board of Directors.  They volunteer their time and expertise each year to ensure the Talent Trust meets its mission and goals.  We warmly welcome Susan Hanrahan and Michelle Lahey to our Board of Directors.

Susan Hanrahan recently retired after working 33 years with Craft Nova Scotia, 26 of them as the organization’s Executive Director. In that role, Susan worked to provide Nova Scotian craftspeople opportunities to participate in exhibitions, art fairs, trade shows, educational and best-practices missions, conferences, and partnerships with craft organizations and events both here and across Canada, the USA, and Europe. Susan was a founding member of Craft Alliance Atlantic Association, and was heavily involved with the Canadian Crafts Federation, Arts Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Cultural Network, and the Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia. 

“The right support at the right time can make a huge difference to an artist’s career. Not only does the Nova Scotia Talent Trust contribute financial assistance through scholarships and awards, it also provides the critical validation and encouragement so necessary to the growth and development of all artists. For more than 75 years, the NSTT has made significant contributions to the well-being of our provincial cultural community. I am honoured to serve on the NSTT Board as it continues this vital work.” - Susan Hanrahan

Michelle Lahey is an instructor in Cape Breton University's School of Arts and Social Science. She also serves on a number of boards including: Talbot House and the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design. She regularly volunteers for the Free Legal Clinic located at the Sydney courthouse.  Michelle obtained her B.A. from Cape Breton University, and received her LL.B., and B.C.L. from McGill University in 2017. After graduating, Michelle articled with a regional firm in Nova Scotia, until she was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in June 2018. In April 2019, Michelle joined the Sydney law office of LaFosse MacLeod.

"The Nova Scotia Talent Trust's mission is integral in ensuring the continued vibrancy of Nova Scotia's arts community. By supporting emerging artists with important financial assistance, the Trust directly impacts the province's cultural landscape and fosters the growth of its creative industries. I am delighted to help advance this vital work as a board member." - Michelle Lahey

Once again, welcome to Susan and Michelle.  And a thank you to our returning Board members: Adrian Hoffman (Acting Chair), Victoria Hines (Vice Chair), Natalie Wells, (Treasurer), Breagh MacKinnon (Secretary), Pamela Ritchie (Development Committee Chair), and Wallace Smith Jr.  Your commitment and dedication to the Talent Trust is very appreciated by all.  

You can find the full roster of our NSTT board on our website. 

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Team Talent Trust Success at the Bluenose Marathon!

What an amazing experience for Team Talent Trust this past weekend at the Bluenose Marathon! 

 

Thanks to the hard work of the Team Talent Trust walkers/runners a total of $4678.62 was raised!

 

Thank you to everyone who supported Team Talent Trust. Your support provides scholarships to young artists when they need them the most. 

 

Team Talent Trust Members:

• Catilyn Dwyer, NSTT supporter
• Natalie Wells, NSTT Treasurer
• Victoria Hines, NSTT Acting Chair
• Andrew Son, NSTT scholarship recipient
• Andrea Urquhart, Executive Director
• Jacqueline Steudler, Former ED & NSTT supporter
  

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Talent Trust Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions

Scholarships — Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know if I'm eligible for a Talent Trust scholarship? 

Visit our Eligibility page for the list of criteria.

What kind of study programs does the Talent Trust support?

• University arts programs
• College arts programs (like NSCC)
• Programs in film, dance, theatre, music, literary arts, visual arts, or circus arts offered by private institutions
• Private studies with one teacher
• Summer classes in the arts
• Summer festival study opportunities
• Mentorships
• Artist residencies
• If you’re considering a study program not on this list, please let us know so we can assess its eligibility. 
  (We don’t fund the Verbier Music Festival Orchestra summer placement because it is free.)

Do you support arts teacher training?  

No. We don’t provide scholarships for teacher training programs. 

Do you support art therapy training?

No. We don’t provide scholarships for art therapy training programs. 

Do the application requirements change from year to year?

Possibly. We regularly review our application requirements, so they could change from one year to the next.

Tip: Review the General Application Guidelines and support material requirements for your discipline before you begin your application. You can find all updated files at nstalenttrust.ns.ca/Scholarships/Support-Material/

I study with a private teacher. What do I need for my application? 

Collect all the information required in the General Application Guidelines (page 2). See our General Application Guidelines for details.

Combine all the information from your teacher in one PDF file before adding it to your application. 

Late submissions of private teacher information will not be accepted. 

Tip: Get in touch with your teacher at least a month before the deadline. 

What browser should I use to submit my application?
Our system is built to work best with Chrome. Note: Microsoft's Internet Explorer is out of date and will not work with our system.

How long does it take to complete the online application?
According to our latest survey, plan on spending an hour or more to complete the application process. If you have all your information before you begin, you may be able to shorten that time.

Tip: Plan ahead. Carefully review all the application and support material requirements before you begin.

Do I have to complete the application at once? Can I start today and finish it tomorrow? 

The system is able to save everything so you can work on your application a little at a time. 

Tip 1: Use Chrome as your browser for best results. 

Tip 2: If you have any technical problems let us know right away.

How much can I ask for in my Budget?

Our scholarships are between $800 - $4000. You can only ask for a portion of your study expenses.

How many video links can I attach to my application?  

One video link. Combine your videos into one file. Your video index needs to indicate at what time each piece starts and ends, e.g.  introduction 0:00 – 0:32, first music piece title 0:32 – 2:58 etc

Tip: In addition to the video index in your application, add the start time of each piece in the video information section on YouTube. Don't change the video link until the end of the application year.

I don’t want anyone to see my application video. What can I do? 

On YouTube you can set the video to unlisted. Only people with the link can see it. Do not make the video private. If you do, we won’t be able to view it. 

I’m a visual artist. Can I upload separate images of my work? 

No. You need to upload a portfolio in PDF format containing all your images and the information of each image. 

Tips: 
Use high quality photos (no large files); no frames should show (crop if necessary), only your artwork is important

Your images should be 72 dpi for your digital portfolio (300 dpi is only required for printing)

Each page should contain a single image of your work and its description (10 images = 10 pages)

Keep it simple! (maximum file size is 8 MB)

What happens after I submit my application?  

Our staff will look through your application to make sure all required files are attached and your links work. If we see anything that could be improved, we’ll send you an email and ask you to send an updated version by email.

When your application is complete, you will receive a confirmation email that also contains the date when you will be contacted with your application results. 

Be patient: our staff will get in touch with you as soon as possible. 

Tip: The earlier you apply, the more time you will have to improve your application. 

I made a mistake in my application and only noticed after I pressed submit. What can I do? 

Email our staff at scholarship(at)nstalenttrust.ns.ca and let us know right away. We can adjust your application for you. 

Do not try to update your application yourself! The system will create duplicates which will make it difficult for us to know which version is the correct one. 

Tips: 
Start your application process early so you have enough time to thoroughly review it. 

Save your application and read through it a day or two later to catch any small errors. Then submit it.

COVID-19 adjustments in 2022

Given the importance of maintaining social/physical distancing, and possible self-isolation for some, we understand that meeting some of the application requirements for the Spring/Summer scholarship deadline will not be possible. For example, it may not be possible to record your videos in a studio/theatre or to have someone accompany you for your piece. 

Please know we will be understanding of these limitations and will welcome modifications (filming in your living room, solo performances rather than being accompanied, etc.). Please do your best to meet the requirements that are within your control. (side note: Always hold your camera horizontal so that the Scholarship Selection Committee members can see you fully.)

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Scholarship Applications for May 1 Deadline Now Accepted

Applications are now being accepted for Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarships for studies between September 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. The deadline is May 1 at 5 p.m. ADT. Learn more here.

Apply early so that we can help you improve your application and avoid last minute technical problems.

We advise applicants to read the submission guidelines  carefully and to submit applications early since there are a number of changes for film, music, visual arts, dance, circus arts, literary arts, and theatre this year.

Please let the studying artists in your life know about our scholarship program.

For questions about scholarships and applications please get in touch with our Scholarship Program Coordinator Jackie Dowling at scholarship(at)nstalenttrust.ns.ca. 

Want to hear more about the Talent Trust? Please sign up for our newsletter.

Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

The World of Yousuf Karsh: A Private Essence

Portia White's connection to the Talent Trust runs deep. In 1944, members of the Halifax Ladies Club, along with voice teacher Dr. Ernesto Vinci, successfully advocated the city of Halifax and the province of Nova Scotia for unparalleled financial support towards her studies in New York. Portia White ascended to become one of the best singers of the 20th century. The Talent Trust, with the help of the Dalhousie Music in Medicine HEALS Program, supports her legacy through the Portia White Award for a Nova Scotia voice student. You can lean more about the Portia White/Talent Trust connection here.

Running March 12 - October 16, 2022 the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is hosting a special exhibition featuring the work of famed photographer Yousuf Karsh, the photographer of the iconic Portia White image many recognize today.

You can learn more about The World of Yousuf Karsh: A Private Essence exhibit here.

 

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2022 Talent Trust Scholarship Application Deadlines Announced

We’re pleased to announce we are ready to receive new scholarship applications for 2022.

The deadline for scholarship applications for Spring/Summer studies is fast approaching!

The scholarship application process will again happen online.

We advise applicants to read the submission guidelines carefully and to submit applications early since there are a number of changes for film, music, visual arts, dance, circus arts, literary arts, and theatre this year.

Scholarship application deadlines are:

• Spring/Summer study: 5:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
  March 1, 2022 (for studies between May 1 and August 31, 2022)

• Fall/Winter study: 5:00 p.m. Atlantic Daylight Saving Time (ADT)
  May 1, 2022 (for studies between September 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023)

For more information, visit nstalenttrust.ca or get in touch by email with our Scholarship Program Coordinator Jackie Dowling at scholarship@nstalenttrust.ns.ca

Please help us spread the word: If you know a Nova Scotian student that is studying in the arts, let them know about this opportunity and our March 1 and May 1 deadlines.

Want to hear more about the Talent Trust? Please sign up for our newsletter.

Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Symbiosis - Collective Dreaming and World Building

Running September 23, 2021 through November 7, 2021 the Mary E. Black Gallery will feature a curated exhibition, Symbiosis, of collaborative works by members of Craft Nova Scotia. 

 

This show features many past Talent Trust scholarship recipients:

- Brendt Eisner

- Shauna MacLeod

- Carley Mullally: winner of the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award in 2016

- Sienna Maeba

- Jessie McLaughlin: winner of the  Charlotte Wilson-Hammond/VANS Award  in 2019 

 

About the show:

 

Symbiosis - Collective Dreaming and World Building

A curated exhibition of collaborative works by members of Craft Nova Scotia

 

EXHIBITION
September 23 to November 7, 2021

 

VIRTUAL OPENING RECEPTION:
September 23 at 6:30pm
On @craftnovascotia Facebook Live

 

Mary E. Black Gallery
Centre for Craft Nova Scotia
Halifax, NS
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm
 

FREE ADMISSION

 

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today!  (smile)

 

 

Celebrate Talent Trust's 2021 Scholarship Recipients

The NS Talent Trust Continues to Invest in 

Aspiring Nova Scotian Artists. 

Having finished its scholarship selection process, the NS Talent Trust has awarded scholarships to 55 emerging Nova Scotian artists in dance, music, theatre, circus arts, literary arts, and visual arts coming from all over the province. 
 
This year's Talent Trust recipients come from Windsor Junction, Lower Sackville, Middle Sackville, Hammonds Plains, Truro, Montague Gold Mines, Upper Tantallon, Wolfville, Derbert, New Glasgow, Millville, Sydney, Canning, Upper Kennetcook, Conquerall Mills, Timberlea, Glace Bay, Hants Port as well as Bedford, Dartmouth and Halifax. These aspiring artists have proven their commitment to their art by adapting through the uncertain times of a global pandemic by adjusting and changing their programs and studying virtually. Recipients attended online programs all over the world, from the United States to the UK to Spain.
 
Through their residencies, mentorships, and schooling, NSTT scholarship recipients inevitably promote Nova Scotia's cultural relevance by studying in some of the best institutions worldwide. Like Portia White herself, the original catalyst for the organization's formation, recipients sometimes become world-renowned. Think Jane Archibald, Bretten Hannam, and George Elliott Clarke. Since Portia's impetus in 1944, the Talent Trust has distributed over 2.5 million dollars in scholarships to over 1,000 recipients. 

The independent, volunteer Scholarship Selection Committees, made up of twelve professional artists, two from each discipline, obviously recognize the artistic skill and look for lasting commitment signs. The artist's life has more than its fair share of challenges, and for the NSTT, dedication to professional achievement is as essential as artistic potential. Since the province is overflowing with talent, the decisions are never easy. 
 
This year's 67 successful scholarships were chosen from a field of 129 applications over two submission periods, 1 March and 1 May 2021. Five of the 67 scholarships are supported by the NS Arts Endowment Fund of $2,000 each. They are Katrina Ouellette for Dance, Spencer MacKay for Film, Jacob MacDonald for Music, Emily O'Leary for Theatre, and Hannah Craig for Visual Arts.

The new CN Halifax Community Board scholarship of $1,000 goes to Reva Bhardwaj who studies film in Vancouver. 

The Nova Scotia Talent Trust's scholarships totaled $71,000 in 2021, which is only possible through various generous grants and individual donations. We thank our individual donors, the Craig Foundation, the RBC Foundation, CN Halifax Community Board, and Arts Nova Scotia for their support during this special time. 

More than ever, have we realized over the last couple of months how much the arts and the individual artists help us to stay mentally healthy. Nova Scotia artists supported us in the darkest days with their talent and generosity. Let's celebrate the 2021 Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship recipients, which signify our cultural future. 
 
Below is the complete 2021 list of Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship recipients.

List of the 2021 Talent Trust Scholarship Recipients including the Nova Scotia Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship, and CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship Recipients

CIRCUS ARTS RECIPIENT
Juggling

• Luca Haase, Conquerall Mills

DANCE RECIPIENTS
Ballet

• Sahara Nyathi, Halifax
• Maggie Oates-Johnson, Dartmouth
• Katrina Ouellette, Middle Sackville, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship
• Emma Purdy, Debert
• Aidan Vaudreuil-Wakeham, Lower Sackville

Ballet/Contemporary

• Julia Barkhouse, Dartmouth
• Sienna Nyathi, Halifax

Bharathanatyam

• Priyadarshini Satheesh, Halifax

Contemporary

• Minuet Charron, Halifax
• Stan Tonin, Windsor Junction
• Gabrielle Trudel, Timberlea

FILM
Film Production

• Reva Bhardwaj, Dartmouth, CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship

Producing, Writing, Directing

• Spencer MacKay, Windsor Junction, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship

LITERARY ARTS RECIPIENTS
Creative Essay

• K.R. Byggdin, Halifax

Creative Nonfiction

• Peggy Walt, Halifax

Short Fiction/Poetry

• Sidney Robichaud, Halifax,

MUSIC RECIPIENTS
Brass – Euphonium

• Ross Macintosh, Truro

Brass – Trumpet

• Shaw Nicholson, Halifax

Composition

• Kayleigh James, Halifax
• Jessica MacIsaac, Halifax

Gaelic Culture/Fiddle

• Abby Hanson, Montague Gold Mines
• Ella Hanson, Montague Gold Mines

Keyboard – Organ

• Gabriel O'Brien, Halifax

Keyboard – Piano

• Sherry Chen, Hammonds Plains
• Natalia Comeau, Hammonds Plains
• Devin Huang, Bedford
• Lala Lee, Halifax
• Carmen Peng, Wolfville
• Chantal Peng, Wolfville
• Alex Yang, Bedford

Percussion/Drumkit

• Lucas Goudie, Halifax

Strings – Cello

• Jacob MacDonald, Upper Kennetcook, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship

Strings – Violin

• Kelvin Mansaray, Halifax

Voice - Opera

• Rhian Merritt, Upper Tantallon
• Natalie Mitchell, Halifax
• Nicole Ross, New Glasgow
• Abigail Sinclair, Halifax
• Shanice Skinner, New Glasgow
• Connie Young, Halifax

THEATRE RECIPIENTS
Acting

• Kevin Munroe, Sydney

Musical Theatre

• Ryan MacDougall, Hammonds Plains
• Deanna Mann, New Glasgow
• Emily O’Leary, Glace Bay, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship
• Jillian Peters, Dartmouth

VISUAL/FINE ARTS RECIPIENTS
Architecture

• Charles Bourne, Halifax

Digital Media, Digital Illustration 

• Leena Elkhatteeb , Bedford

Drawing, Textiles

• Madeleine West, Halifax

Expanded Painting, Art History

• Excel Garay, Halifax

Fine Arts

• Olivia Haill, Halifax

Interdisciplinary/Computation Arts

• Jonah McKay, Canning

Jewellery, Hollowware

• Hannah Craig, Halifax, NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship

Painting

• Anna Syme, Hantsport

Portraiture

• Kaya Panthier, Halifax

Sculpture/Illustration

• Ada Denil, Halifax

 

 

CN Halifax Community Board believes in the future of Nova Scotia Artists

Supporting Nova Scotia students on their way to pursue an artistic career is a joy and privilege. Also, partnering with an international corporation like CN through the CN Halifax Community Board for an annual named scholarship is an honour. 

“The Nova Scotia Talent Trust 

highlights exceptional commitments for Nova Scotians to become established artists. The CN Halifax Community Board is honoured to support these scholarships for emerging NS artists with a focus on supporting people and arts, a core principle not only of our board but also a corporate philosophy at CN," states Alan Abraham, Chair, CN Community Board

It is with excitement the Nova Scotia Talent Trust announces the CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship. In spring 2021, CN Halifax Community Board approved a grant of $25,000, which has been invested throuand will support the named scholarship for years to come. 

“The investment in our next generation of Nova Scotia’s artists will enhance and further our cultural landscape. Not only will the monetary support help our scholarship recipients pay for their studies, but it also reaffirms their hard work to become established artists in their discipline. We thank the CN Halifax Community Board for believing in our Nova Scotia artists,” says NSTT Executive Director Jacqueline Steudler. 

The annual CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship of $1,000 will be presented annually to a scholarship recipient who shows exceptional commitment and professional potential as an artist. The first recipient selected by the Scholarship Selection Committee of the NSTT will be announced on September 15, 2021. 

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 19,500-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

About Nova Scotia Talent Trust

Since 1944, the Talent Trust has provided more than $2 million to over 1,000 Nova Scotians, primarily young people, who have demonstrated talent and potential to become professional artists in theatre, dance, fine craft and design, music, circus arts, media, film, literary, and visual arts. There is no other comparable organization in the country. In 2019, the Talent Trust celebrated its 75th anniversary year featuring former scholarship recipients with a travelling art exhibition, pop-up events in theatre, music, dance, film screenings and more.  

Want to hear more about the Talent Trust? Please sign up for our newsletter.

 

Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Musical Theatre Intensive with Talent Trust recipient Katie Cochrane!

Musical Theatre Intensive

  August 23-27
 

Do you want to enhance your musical theatre vocal technique? Join former Talent Trust recipient Katie Cochrane and Patrick Maubert as they guide you through incorporating healthy vocal technique into your belt, mix, crossover vocal production.

This week-long course will offer an opportunity to expand your repertoire, enhance your audition skills and broaden your network of friends and industry professionals. 

Group I: ages 14-17 | Group II: ages 18+

Led by Faculty members: Katie Cochrane & Patrick Maubert

You can learn more on Instagram and Facebook.

Katie was the winner of the 2015 Theatre Nova Scotia Award.

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Join the Talent Trust's Blue Nose Marathon Team 2021

The Talent Trust is running and walking for creativity and art education in 2021 at the Blue Nose Marathon November 6 and 7, 2021.

Last year we were able to fundraise $4,765 for our scholarship fund. Let's make an even more significant impact this year. (smile)

We wondered if you are a runner or walker? 

"I'm not a runner, so I will walk 5 km again", says our Executive Director Jacqueline Steudler with a smile.

We are looking for Talent Trust Team members that will participate and fundraise for the Talent Trust by running/walking at the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon.

There are various runs that you can sign up for. Although the plans are for some limited in-person runs, there is also a virtual possibility. 

Virtual means that you run or walk safely in your neighbourhood. You'll still get a Blue Nose Marathon T-shirt and medal. This means that you can participate even if you live outside of Nova Scotia (smile). 

Join our team today by using the following registration link. You'll be automatically added to our team with this link.
https://raceroster.com/events/2021/47356/scotiabank-blue-nose-marathon/register?team=316112

Not sure what to expect when going to the page above? Have a look at this video, which gives you the registration information you need. (If you're a minor your parent has to sign you up.)
https://app.searchie.io/watch/Ml2RkMLjDa/

Thank you Robert George Jackson and Daphne Cruikshanks

We're grateful to the late Robert George Jackson and his wife Daphne Cruikshanks for creating and sustaining this fantastic and generous special dance award since 2011. 

The Robert George Jackson Award, named for the late Robert Jackson who loved the arts, was established in 2011 by his wife, Daphne Cruikshanks. It will be awarded, if merited, to a NSTT recipient who shows exceptional commitment and potential in dance. The award is $2,000.

Past Robert George Jackson Award winners are:

• Aidan Vaudreuil (Ballet) 2020
• Sahara Nyathi (Ballet) 2019
• Lucie Schmidt (Contemporary) 2018
• Maggie Oates-Johnson (Ballet) 2017
• Ellery Jackson (Ballet) 2016
• Niamh Perrins (Ballet) 2015
• Cloe Hart (Contemporary) 2014
• Aliah Schwartz (Contemporary) 2013
• Francesca Nardi (Flamenco) 2012
• Bridget Lappin (Contemporary) 2011

Thank you Daphne Cruikshanks, your generous support has made a big difference for so many. We are honoured to celebrate Robert George Jackson's love for the arts annually with our Nova Scotia community. 

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Minuet Charron: Accomplishments during a pandemic!

On Sunday, May 2, from 7 - 9 p.m., join Talent Trust recipient Minuet Charron, and others, in a live streamed performance that features choreography performed by members of the House of Eights Training program. Click here for more info.

From Minuet:

'Throughout this year in the training program, we’ve worked on expanding our knowledge and expertise in different commercial styles from contemporary and heels, to popping and waacking. In the past few months we worked on learning choreography for our pieces and then filmed them all. I’m so excited for people to see what myself and the rest of the training program members have been working towards and what we’ve been able to accomplish during a pandemic!'.

About Minuet:

Minuet Charron is a dancer and choreographer currently training at House of Eights, Halifax Dance, and The Conservatory School of Dance. She studies an array of styles from hip hop to ballet.

This past fall, Minuet studied in Bo Park’s online program for choreographers, performers, and leaders in the dance industry.

Her most recent performances include Votive Dance’s “Synced Systems” as part of their Youth Project. She also made an appearance with BreakSpace in collaboration with Unity Charity in their virtual showcase “The Bounce Back”. 

In addition to her two Nova Scotia Talent Trust Scholarships, Minuet received the Sally Brayley Bliss Award for the past two years at the Taking Steps to Fly showcase.

You can keep up to date with Minuet on Instagram @minuetcharron.

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

Scholarship Applications for May 1 Deadline Now Accepted

Applications are now being accepted for Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarships for studies between September 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. The deadline is May 1 at 5 p.m. ADT.

Apply early so that we can help you improve your application and avoid last minute technical problems. Use Chrome as your browser. 

We advise applicants to read the submission guidelines  carefully and to submit applications early since there are a number of changes for film, music, visual arts, dance, circus arts, literary arts, and theatre this year.

Please let the studying artists in your life know about our scholarship program.

For questions about scholarships and applications please get in touch with our Scholarship Program Coordinator Jackie Dowling at scholarship(at)nstalenttrust.ns.ca.  

Want to hear more about the Talent Trust? Please sign up for our newsletter.

Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotian artists? Donate today! (smile)

The Talent Trust congratulates ECMA nominees

Congratulations to all ECMA nominees from the Talent Trust.

Past Talent Trust scholarship recipients who received nomination are:

Song of the Year 

Classified - "Good News" featuring Breagh Isabel (Producer: Classified) 

Breagh Isabel is a past Talent Trust scholarship recipient, winner of the Chico Berardi Award and a Talent Trust Board member.

Fans' Choice Video of the Year 

Classified - "Good News" featuring Breagh Isabel (Director: Mike Boyd)

Link to video: https://youtu.be/NuWNaw71BGk

Classical Composition of the Year 

Emily Doolittle - "Doolittle: Minute Études “Excerpts” (Live)". 

Emily is a past Talent Trust scholarship recipient.

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Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotia artists? Donate today!

Ross Macintosh: From pipe bands to Yo-Yo Ma to U2 to Mozart and Bach

Thank you to Talent Trust recipient Ross Macintosh for taking the time to share reflections on his music with us.

Instagram: @ross.macintosh

Website: www.rossmacintosh.com

What does receiving a Talent Trust scholarship mean to you?

The support of the Talent Trust has meant lot to me, in many different ways. It has helped me with my university education,  private lessons, and summer programs, and has given me opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. This year in particular, it has helped me get some of the equipment necessary to study online and to enter national and international competitions, and also gave me the opportunity to study with a euphonium soloist who I truly admire, which was absolutely invaluable.

What are your earliest memories of your art?

Music was always a pretty constant thing in my house. My parents are both musicians and music lovers, so I was exposed to a wide variety of music ranging from Pipe Bands to Yo-Yo Ma to U2. I also remember having CDs of Mozart and Bach keyboard music as white noise in my bedroom for most of my childhood. In terms of brass instruments, my first memory is playing a CD my dad had of the Empire Brass Quintet playing arrangements of Medieval music (particularly that of Hildegard von Bingen), as well as my aunt and uncle visiting from Edmonton, where they are professional musicians (trombone and tuba, respectively). 

What quote best describes your commitment to your art? Why?

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”- Thomas Edison 

There are of course quotes that could describe it from an artistic perspective, but this shows an attitude that I feel is essential to a career in a field as unforgiving as music. This feeling was certainly compounded by some of my work experiences, and I know that it has had a huge impact on everything that I do. 

Are there any unexpected positives that have come out of pandemic related to your art?

Yes! The shift to online learning across the world has created a lot of opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. In the first month of Nova Scotia being locked down I was able to have online lessons with Steven Mead and David Thornton (fantastic professors from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester), and of course with the support of the NSTT I was able to have a series of online lessons with one of my heroes, Glenn Van Looy, in Switzerland.  None of this would have been possible in a normal year. I have also felt very fortunate to be here in Nova Scotia during this time, as I have spent the past four months as a Resident Young Artist at the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance. This has allowed me to keep performing throughout most of this time, and to be hearing and learning from some other fantastic young musicians. 

What has been your greatest challenge in relation to your art? Why?

I have probably had more challenges than you’d expect from somebody at this stage of their career.  The main one was an injury I received almost four years ago now; I couldn’t play my instrument for about four months, and it took nearly three years before I felt like I had recovered fully.  On a different level, I think I face the same challenge that almost every artist does in terms of finding their place in the world. But, I read Michael Phelps’ autobiography last year and have found one motto of his very helpful in this regard: “Dream. Plan. Reach.”.  

What aspect of your art/practices 'fills your cup' the most?

I think most aspects of making music help keep my cup full! I get a great boost when I am performing solo or in small chamber ensembles, but that is a pretty small amount of time compared to my daily practice. I would say that my last practice session of each day is what consistently keeps it full, as I always end with a cool-down for anywhere from 20-45 minutes. The great trombonist Peter Steiner calls it “Lip Yoga”, and this meditative end to the day really prepares me for the next day of work.

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