Free Your Artistry: Scholarships for Students
Scholarships help student artists pursue their passion without financial barriers. Donor support ensures talent, not income, shapes their path.
College of Visual and Performing Arts
College of Visual and Performing Arts
The College of Visual and Performing Arts empowers students, faculty and staff to develop their highest level of artistic creativity, scholarship and teaching, making lasting contributions to society.
Empowering Unique Voices in the Studio and in Life
In the studio, on the stage, in recital halls, our students live life at its most profound levels. Yes, we teach them the mechanics of their craft, but more importantly, we nurture and encourage them to express their creativity and share their artistry with the community.
We teach students from diverse backgrounds that they can do whatever they dream of, if they are dedicated and willing to do the work. We strive to tailor each student’s experiences to their unique needs and skills, for art is as unique as the individual who creates it.
Funding Priorities
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VPA Artist Fellowships: Grants for Artists
After graduation, conservatory students continue honing their craft as they begin their careers. A $10,000 Artist Fellowship gives them the financial freedom to focus on their art, easing the pressure and supporting a strong start in the professional world.
Unleash Artistry: Community Outreach
With reimagined arts outreach, CVPA will bring gallery exhibits, theatre and dance productions and music performances to communities across the region. Donor support will enrich local culture, boost student learning and raise NIU’s profile statewide.
Endowed Chairs and Programs
Endowed chairs, professorships and programs are key to attracting top faculty and driving excellence in our leading arts programs. Donors who establish endowments create a legacy that reflects their passion for the arts.
Capital Projects
Many CVPA spaces are outdated, making it harder for students and faculty to share their work with the campus and community. Donor support will help modernize key facilities—like the O’Connell Theatre, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, and School of Art and Design galleries—and bring a first-class outdoor amphitheater to campus.
College of Visual and Performing Arts Excellence Fund
In the College of Visual and Performing Arts, needs like student travel, guest artists and faculty or student support arise often. The CVPA Excellence Fund provides vital flexibility to meet these needs and seize new opportunities.
Stories
Making a lasting difference
FORWARD Voices
Ryan Jensen, Future Graduate
“I wanted to take advantage of new opportunities that were provided by NIU to get access to more scholarships, to build skills about leadership and teaching, to create a network of peers and to invest in my future.”