Luciana Fernandes
Luciana received the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award in 2016. She completed her undergrad at Dalhousie University, then relocated to British Columbia to pursue her MFA in directing at UBC.
Luciana returned to Halifax in 2018 to participate in Neptune Theatre’s Chrysalis Project, which provides practical experience and mentorship to emerging theatre artists.
Devin Huang
Devin began playing piano in 2013 at the age of seven, and has won both awards and competitions since then.
He was the 2017 recipient of the first ever Gordon Murray rising Star Award, and one of the winners of the 2017/18 Chebucto Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, an honour which gave him the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra in the spring of 2018.
Ian Parsons
Ian received Talent Trust scholarships to pursue studies in dance. He trained at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in Halifax, then attended Canada’s National Ballet School.
Ian began teaching ballet after touring with CATS in 2013, and relocated from London, UK back to Canada three years later.
Charley Young
Born in Alberta, Charley moved to Nova Scotia to pursue her BFA at NSCAD University. She received the Charlotte Wilson-Hammond/Visual Arts Nova Scotia Award and the Lieutenant Governor Award.
Charley is a practing artist who teaches drawing and printmaking at NSCAD University and Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.
Lee Yuen-Rapati
Lee received the Talent Trust 2011 Canada Games Award in 2017, the year he began the MA Typeface Design program at the University of Reading in the UK, which is considered by many in the design industry as the best in the world.
He completed his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Design at NSCAD University, where he taught as a guest lecturer for two years prior to beginning his MA.
Shanice Skinner
Shanice, a soprano born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2017.
Shanice was Nova Scotia’s alto selection for the 2014 National Youth Choir, and soprano for the 2016 National Youth Choir tour in Alberta. She won the Talent Trust Portia White award in 2016, and received a scholarship in 2018 to continue her voice studies.
Guide to Writing Your Artist Statement
Your artist statement is a chance to share your unique story, passion, and vision with the Scholarship Selection Committee. It helps them understand why your chosen art discipline is important to you and how the scholarship opportunity will support your growth. Below are key tips and guidelines to help you craft a compelling artist statement.
Click here to download the Artist Statement Guide.
What to Include in Your Artist Statement
1. Your Passion for Your Art
- What excites you most about what you create?
- Describe the themes, skills, or concepts in the work samples you've included with your application. For example, do you explore identity, social issues, or personal experiences in your art?
- Highlight the part of your art-making process that brings you joy or fulfillment.
2. Your Goals as an Artist
- What does becoming an established artist in your discipline mean to you?
- Share your vision for your future. For example, do you hope to inspire others, perform on major stages, or exhibit your work in renowned galleries?
3. Why this Opportunity Matters
- Explain why you chose this particular program, school, teacher, or mentor.
- What makes this opportunity the right fit for you? Mention specific aspects of the program or individual that inspire you.
4. How This Scholarship Will Help You
- Share what you hope to achieve through this opportunity
- How will it help you develop your skills, explore new ideas, or grow as an artist?
Tips for Writing a Strong Artist Statement:
- Write in the first person: Use “I” or “me” to make your statement personal and engaging. Speak from the heart about your journey and aspirations.
- Be clear and concise: Avoid overly complex language. Aim for a statement that is straightforward, authentic, and easy to read.
- Edit and proofread
- Write your statement in a separate document first. This makes it easier to review and refine.
- Use a spell-check tool to catch errors.
- Ask a trusted friend, teacher, or mentor to read your statement and provide feedback.
- Focus on your unique voice: The Committee wants to know your story. Avoid generic statements and focus on what makes your perspective and goals unique.
- Limit length: Most artist statements are about 250–500 words. Be mindful of the word count specified in the application instructions.
Luciana Fernandes
Luciana received the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award in 2016. She completed her undergrad at Dalhousie University, then relocated to British Columbia to pursue her MFA in directing at UBC.
Luciana returned to Halifax in 2018 to participate in Neptune Theatre’s Chrysalis Project, which provides practical experience and mentorship to emerging theatre artists.
Devin Huang
Devin began playing piano in 2013 at the age of seven, and has won both awards and competitions since then.
He was the 2017 recipient of the first ever Gordon Murray rising Star Award, and one of the winners of the 2017/18 Chebucto Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, an honour which gave him the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra in the spring of 2018.
Ian Parsons
Ian received Talent Trust scholarships to pursue studies in dance. He trained at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in Halifax, then attended Canada’s National Ballet School.
Ian began teaching ballet after touring with CATS in 2013, and relocated from London, UK back to Canada three years later.
Charley Young
Born in Alberta, Charley moved to Nova Scotia to pursue her BFA at NSCAD University. She received the Charlotte Wilson-Hammond/Visual Arts Nova Scotia Award and the Lieutenant Governor Award.
Charley is a practing artist who teaches drawing and printmaking at NSCAD University and Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.
Lee Yuen-Rapati
Lee received the Talent Trust 2011 Canada Games Award in 2017, the year he began the MA Typeface Design program at the University of Reading in the UK, which is considered by many in the design industry as the best in the world.
He completed his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Design at NSCAD University, where he taught as a guest lecturer for two years prior to beginning his MA.
Shanice Skinner
Shanice, a soprano born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2017.
Shanice was Nova Scotia’s alto selection for the 2014 National Youth Choir, and soprano for the 2016 National Youth Choir tour in Alberta. She won the Talent Trust Portia White award in 2016, and received a scholarship in 2018 to continue her voice studies.
