SAQA Scholarship Program

SAQA's scholarship program allows members experiencing financial hardship to grow creatively and professionally through participation in SAQA programs and conferences. There are no specific expectations or requirements that recipients contribute to SAQA. Applicants are encouraged to apply annually.

Some factors that may contribute to financial hardship could include (but are not limited to) significant debt, medical expenses not covered by insurance, eligibility for public assistance, responsibility for financial support of dependents, prohibitive exchange rates, or discrimination/disability in employment.

Scholarships will be awarded quarterly to as many qualified applicants as possible with the budgeted funds. Criteria used for selection include:

  • Experiencing financial hardship
  • Interested in creative and professional growth through SAQA's programs and opportunities
  • Completion of the application

Additional notes:

  • All personal information, including name and address, will be kept confidential except to the staff person processing the applications. The review committee will not have access to any identifying details.
  • Applicants or those awarded scholarships will not be announced or publicized in any way.
  • Awardees may be asked to complete a survey at the end of their grant year.

Questions? Please contact us at info@saqa.art.


SAQA Membership Scholarship

Membership scholarships cover one year of SAQA membership with all benefits (more details). Juried Artist membership scholarships are only available upon acceptance into the Juried Artist program.

Membership Scholarship applications will be reviewed quarterly. Applications must be received by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 to be considered in the following review period. The review committee will use the funds allocated in the SAQA budget and notify applicants of their application status within 30 days of the deadline.

Membership Application


SAQA Conference Scholarship 

The 2025 SAQA Conference will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida April 3 - 6, 2024 (more details). Scholarship covers one registration only. Travel and hotel costs are NOT included. 

Deadline to apply is December 15, 2024 (applicants will be notified by January 10, 2025). 

Conference Application