SCHOLARSHIPS

The annual Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council’s Excellence in Arts Awards support the artistic achievements, aspirations and professional development of young people who have demonstrated exemplary achievement in the Arts. The merit-based awards provide scholarship funds for study at an accredited post-secondary university or college.

  • Scholarship amounts are a minimum of $1,500 per student.

  • Scholarships are intended to support post-secondary school education tuition and fee expenses.

  • Funding will be released into the account of the post-secondary institution of the applicant’s choice upon proof of registration and class enrollment. Students must also submit a thank you letter to the MRPM Arts Council Board of Directors, prior to claiming their award.

  • Students will have two (2) years following the date of issue to redeem an award.

Download these forms to fill out your application:

 

ELIGIBILITY

Currently enrolled Secondary School seniors (Grade 12) who live and/or attend high school in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows (The SD42 school district) and who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution may apply for a scholarship.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications & submissions must be submitted in digital PDF format to learning@mract.org. No hard copy submissions will be accepted.

Please submit (pdf files please):

  • Your application form

  • An artistic statement

  • A statement of how the funding will allow you to pursue future education

  • Your artistic resume

  • Statement of school marks issued from your school

  • Minimum of two reference letters

  • Please review the information document carefully for details on what material to prepare for each discipline.

Please include your name and what the file is in the name of each of your files, e.g. “Lori Ceasar, visual arts submission, application letter.pdf”

Successful applicants will be contacted and asked to prepare for a live audition/portfolio review of their work.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Please contact learning@mract.org with any questions.

Adjudicators for the 2025 maple ridge and pitt meadows arts council’s Excellence in Arts Awards

Theatre: Dayton Gill

Dance: Katrina Smith

Visual Arts: Arhea Robinson

Ceramics/Design: Talieh Vafadary

Music: Derek Valenciano

2025 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council Awards Recipients

Congratulations to all the 2025 recipients of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council’s ‘Arts in Excellence’ Scholarship Awards for your outstanding achievements in the Arts. Best wishes with your post-secondary endeavors!

Finley Ludeman

Garibaldi Secondary School

Visual & Media Arts

  • Next year I will be attending the University of British Columbia starting my Bachelor of Design in Architecture.

  • "The environment continues to be my biggest inspiration in life and through my art, I aim to highlight local environmental and political issues in my pieces"

Gillian Booth

Garibaldi Secondary School

Visual & Media Arts

  • In the fall of 2025, I will be attending Concordia University in Montreal, QU. I have chosen to major in painting and drawing and minor in education, hoping to get my teaching certificate and teach art back in BC.

  • “As artists, it is hard not to compare ourselves to others; it was this that held me back from creating for so many years. It was not until I took art as a filler class in high school that my teacher reignited my spark, helping me realize that art is not about being the best. Art is about community, individuality, hate, love, whatever you need it to be, which is what makes it so special.”

Kianna Allock

Garibaldi Secondary School

Visual & Media Arts

  • My plan for the future is to become the next generation of innovative animators. I will be attending the Vancouver Film School - Classical Animation program in September.

  • “My art has been positively influenced by the community of artists and mentors that I have been surrounded by”.

Luke Drafi

Maple Ridge Secondary School

Music

  • This fall, I will be attending the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business. I plan to pursue a career as a business owner, using my leadership skills and creativity to guide my future endeavours.

  • “Piano has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. It’s taught me that stepping outside your comfort zone is where the real progress happens.”

    “Music has shown me the value of patience, discipline, and passion—lessons I carry with me in everything I do, especially as I look ahead to a future in business.”

Mattie Stapler

Thomas Haney Secondary School

Visual & Media Arts

  • I will explore animation at BCIT, through their 3D Modeling, Art, and Animation diploma program. I plan to start during the May intake of 2026. This program will take 2 years to complete.

  • “Through the unwavering support from my friends, family and loved ones, I have gained the confidence to not only continue my artistic journey, but to thrive in it. I have gained, from these people who inspire me, the security to truly embrace what I love”.

 
 
 

Community Programs Sponsor