The Talent Trust congratulates ECMA 2022 nominees

Congratulations to all ECMA 2022 nominees from the Talent Trust. 

Past Talent Trust scholarship recipients who received nomination are:  

Adam Vincent Clarke: Classical Composer of the Year

Beth McKenna - Beyond Here: Jazz Recording of the Year 

Breagh Isabel - Girlfirends: Song of the Year & Fans’ Choice Video of the Year (Director: Tamara Black) 

Greg Melchin: Children's Entertainer of the Year  

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Excel Garay solo exhibition: Gaba o Buyag, I will always hide many things from you

Join Talent Trust scholarship recipient Excel Garay for their solo exhibition, Gaba o Buyag, I will always hide many things from you, at the Anna Leonowens Gallery, February 15 - 19, 2022. 

Excel was the winner of the 2021 RBC BIPOC Emerging Artist Award.

About the exhibit: 

Through tones of ultramarine blue, Garay paints plastic ready-mades, found objects, and immersive installations alongside paintings to summon the invisible hauntings that support the Global North. In Gaba o Buyag, I will always hide many things from you, they wish to explore themes of melodrama, baroque excess, hauntology, fugitivity, time, and invisible labor through a transnational queer necropolitical lens. ‘Ultramarine’ originated from the Latin term ultramarinus, which means ‘from beyond the seas’. It references the heavily extracted mineral called Lapis Lazuli, which is known to decorate the body of the Virgin Mary during the Renaissance period.

About Excel Garay:

Excel Garay is a Filipina Canadian diasporic settler occupying Mi'kma’ki territory in K’jipuktuk, Eskikewa’kik (Halifax, Nova Scotia). They work as a curator, expanded-media painter, and cultural worker. Garay is interested in contradictions that lead subjects, like them, into complicity and complacency. These materially manifest through paintings, ready-made objects, immersive installations and more. Their interest lies in the prismatic unseen contradictions and incommensurable situations while focusing on themes of fugitivity, time, and labor. Hauntology and melodrama under a queer necropolitical lens foregrounds their practice.

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Luca Haase: World Juggling Federation win!

 

Last month, Talent Trust scholarship recipient, Luca Haase, attended the 16th annual World Juggling Federation convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he won in the juniors category!

"I met a whole bunch of great people, made several new friends and generally had the best time of my life. There were also many workshops, and I learned a lot from them. A big portion of the convention were the competitions. They were devised into four categories: beginners, juniors, intermediates and advanced. I competed in the juniors category and I won!

Anyway, I edited together a compilation of some stuff I recorded there. Thank you so much again for your generosity and kindness, and helping me to go on this trip!" (Luca Haase).

You can see Luca's incredible talent in an inspiring video he created from his time at the World Juggling Federation in Las Vegas! Link here.

 

You can see more of Luca's juggling talent on Instagram: @luca_haase_juggling 

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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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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.

Can I send you my video on a DVD? 

No, you have to upload it to YouTube or Vimeo and include the link in your application. 

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)

Talent Trust Welcomes New Executive Director Andrea Urquhart

 

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Andrea Urquhart was selected as the new Executive Director for Nova Scotia Talent Trust. “Andrea joined our team on January 10, 2022, and we could not be more excited and grateful for her devotion to leading our organization.” - Victoria Hines, Acting Chair, Nova Scotia Talent Trust.  Andrea joins NSTT with over ten years of experience in charity and non-profit management. Her knowledge and expertise in sponsorship, fundraising and strategic planning will support NSTT’s mission to expand its capacity to offer financial support to Nova Scotia’s emerging artists.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Nova Scotia Talent Trust and looking forward to leading this amazing organization to meet and exceed its goals for growth. I feel deeply connected to the Arts, having studied piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music in my younger years and seeing my sister develop and grow her career as a professional artist in the fields of Visual Arts and Theatre. Having worked in the non-profit sector

throughout my entire career, I understand the challenges and barriers that can prevent emerging artists from pursuing their dreams. Support from an organization such as NSTT not only provides a level of financial relief but also a vote of confidence that can make all the difference in an artist’s path to success. I believe that the pandemic challenges of the past two years have emphasized the significance of Arts and Culture in all of our lives. Supporting the creativity of Nova Scotians is more important now than ever. Thank you to Jacqueline and the Board of Directors for the warm welcome, and I look forward to connecting with the NSTT community in the near future,” states Andrea Urquhart, Executive Director NSTT Please join us in giving Andrea Urquhart a warm welcome! 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)

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.

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