Scholarship Program
Expressive arts should be accessible to all.
We offer scholarships and community partnerships to ensure finances are never a barrier, empowering participants to explore their creativity and potential.
Art & Soul Nashville believes that creative exploration should be accessible to everyone. We offer scholarships and community partnerships to ensure that financial circumstances never stand in the way of someone stepping into the studio.
Our founder, Arunima Orr, passionately believed that everyone deserves access to the expressive arts. She intentionally created pathways for individuals with limited resources to participate through work exchanges and flexible, informal arrangements.
Following her retirement, we maintain that deep commitment by offering sliding-scale spots to those facing financial or personal hardships, as well as to individuals actively making a positive impact in their neighborhoods.
"Art & Soul has been a pillar in my life. Without the scholarship, I would not be who I am today."
—Lily Ewing
Gifted a 6-week class in winter 2025, Lily fell in love with Art & Soul's community but financial concerns kept membership out of reach while she was unemployed.
A one-year scholarship changed that. Since then, she's made profound friendships, found a job she loves, and grown tremendously as an artist and individual.
Program Goals
-
Increase Accessibility:
-
Scholarships remove financial barriers, enabling people from diverse economic backgrounds to participate, especially those who would otherwise be unable to afford classes.
-
-
Promote Equity:
-
Scholarships foster inclusivity by ensuring that underrepresented or marginalized groups may engage in expressive arts experiences.
-
-
Support Community Impact:
-
Scholarships benefit artists who have a profound impact on their communities.
-
-
Encourage Creative Development:
-
Scholarships nurture long-time and emerging artists who show promise but lack resources, helping cultivate future creative leaders and spaceholders.
-
-
Align with Mission:
-
Scholarships support the mission and vision of Art and Soul.
-
-
Build Goodwill and Partnerships:
-
Scholarships strengthen relationships with funders, donors, and the community by demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and social justice.
-
Deadlines and Timeline
Please submit your scholarship application at least two weeks before your chosen class is scheduled to begin. Our review committee looks at applications weekly, and you will receive an email response regarding your status within seven days of your submission.
Participant Responsibilities
-
Attending entire class
-
Pay a portion of class fees
-
Active participation in the class
-
Application submission deadline is 2 weeks in advance of the class start date
-
After the conclusion of class, provide feedback/evaluation of class and experience, and if appropriate, share created works
MEET RACHEL
During a major career and relationship transition, I was feeling very lost and didn’t have a ton of access to resources.
I received a scholarship from Art & Soul to take CADP at a time where I really needed a regular practice to tap into.
The class allowed me to be held in community and participate in art making with others when I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford it.
I am so grateful that I was able to receive a scholarship and now that i am back on my feet, I have been able to take more classes on my own!
—Rachel Swanson
Ready to join us in the studio?
If you have questions about the application process or need assistance filling out the form, please contact us.