Foothills bursary to benefit young performing artists

A big boost is available for young performers in the Foothills.

Diamond Valley non-profit Beneath the Arch is now accepting applications for its annual performing arts bursary, with over $3,000 in funding expected to be available for young performing artists this year.

The bursary is available for young performing artists in grades 4 to 12 that reside or go to school in the western portion of Foothills County, specifically west of 16 Street West, which includes Diamond Valley, Millarville, Longview and Priddis but excludes Okotoks and High River.

Applicants must submit their applications, which should include a letter of reference from the student's teacher and a demonstration of both the student's commitment to their performing art and how the bursary will enhance the capacity of the applicant's family to cover the costs associated with the performing art, by May 2. A video up to three minutes long demonstrating the applicant's performing art is optional but recommended.

At least five recipients will be selected for the bursary, funds from which can be used for anything related to the artist's work, including tuition, materials, competition fees and more. Winners will be announced by May 30. 

The application form is available on the Beneath the Arch website.

Last year's bursary had a record 25 applications submitted, with 12 recipients selected through a competitive process.

As part of its work, Beneath the Arch operates a concert series that's considered a staple of the Foothills community, with nationally-renowned acts taking the Flare n' Derrick stage each season.

The 2024/2025 season will be wrapping up with two final performances by Juno Award winners Cara Luft and David Francey on March 29 and April 26, respectively.

Tickets for both performances are available here or in-person at the Bluerock Gallery and Sheep River Library.