Residents aged 17 or older are eligible to apply for the EAFF Scholarship if they meet the following criteria:

New Applicants

• Residency Requirement: Must have a permanent address within the Edmonds School District boundaries or be a graduating student or graduate of an Edmonds School District high school.

• Education Requirement: Must be pursuing full-time post-secondary education in a visual or creative arts program at an accredited art school, college, or university.

• Edmonds College Requirement: Students attending Edmonds College and working towards a 2-year degree in the visual or creative arts or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree with plans to transfer for a bachelor's degree in the arts are also eligible.

• Graduation Requirement: Must have graduated from high school by August of the application year.

Renewal Applicants

• Must have been awarded an EAFF Scholarship in a previous year.

• Must be planning to attend a college-level art school, college art institute, university, or Edmonds College full-time in the next academic year.

• Must demonstrate satisfactory progress toward a degree in the visual or creative arts.

Eligible areas include, but are not limited to:

• Studio Art

• Graphic Design

• Painting

• Sculpture

• Animation

• Game Design

• Product Design

• UX/UI Design

• Photography

• Illustration

• Art History

• Motion Graphics

• Digital Media Arts

• Videography

• Art Education

• Art Therapy

For new applicants only: You are responsible for securing two (2) recommendations for submission to the EAF Foundation. One must be from a visual arts instructor. Neither may be from family members. Failure to receive recommendations may impact your scholarship. Letters of recommendation are due by May 10th.

Please provide the following email address to those who have agreed to write a recommendation on your behalf: artstudentscholarships@edmondsartsfestival.com.

Renewal applicants: Letters of recommendation are not required.

All applicants must prepare and submit a portfolio as part of the application:

• New Applicants: Submit a portfolio with at least 5 pieces of artwork showcasing two or more different media (e.g., photography, drawing, sculpture, design, painting, jewelry).
  Bring your portfolio pieces and attend a mandatory in-person interview in April.

• Renewal Applicants: Submit a portfolio with a minimum of 5 pieces of artwork created within the last year. In-person attendance is not required; renewal interviews may be conducted online via Zoom.

Files must be uploaded in JPEG, PowerPoint, PDF, or compressed zip format (maximum file size: 5MB).

If accepted for a scholarship:

• You will select one piece to be exhibited at the Edmonds Arts Festival (Father’s Day weekend) and deliver it during the Scholarship Reception in May.

• This piece of artwork must be presentation-ready and wired for hanging, if 2D. Wrapped canvases and wood panels do not need to be framed, but work on paper must be mounted or framed.

• You will be required to work a three-hour volunteer shift during the Edmonds Art Festival, taking place from June 19-21, 2026.

All applicants must ensure their exhibit-ready artwork meets the following criteria:

• For 2D works, the piece must be properly framed and wired for hanging—no sawtooth or other hangers are allowed.

• Important: Artwork that does not meet the hanging standards of the Edmonds Arts Festival cannot be displayed, which may impact scholarship eligibility.

Detailed instructions for preparing exhibit-ready artwork will be provided upon acceptance.

Mandatory Presentation: All new applicants must present their portfolio during the in-person interview in April. Renewal applicants have the option of conducting their interview online via Zoom.

By meeting these requirements and deadlines, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your artistic talent, advance your education, and take the next step toward a rewarding career in the visual or creative arts. We look forward to reviewing your application and supporting your creative journey!