Request for Applications: Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship (Canada)

The Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship offered by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts provides $7,000 in funding to support young writers in Alberta who demonstrate exceptional talent and clear training goals in literary arts. The scholarship supports students enrolled in eligible creative writing programs, mentorships, workshops, or undergraduate literary studies. Applicants must be 25 years old or younger and residents of Alberta.

What is the Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship?

The Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship is a funding program designed to support young and emerging writers in Alberta who show exceptional potential in literary arts.

The scholarship is administered by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, which aims to promote inclusive, accessible, and diverse artistic opportunities. Through this initiative, the foundation supports writers who want to strengthen their skills through formal training or recognized writing programs.

The program helps talented writers pursue professional development in creative writing and literary arts, enabling them to build careers in literature and storytelling.

Scholarship Amount

Successful applicants will receive $7,000 in funding.

The scholarship is intended to support writers who are enrolled in recognized writing training programs and who are committed to developing their literary skills.

This financial support can help cover costs associated with:

Tuition or training fees
Educational materials
Participation in writing workshops or mentorship programs
Other costs related to literary arts education

Eligible Literary Genres

The scholarship supports training in multiple literary genres within the field of creative writing.

Eligible genres include:

Fiction
Poetry
Stage plays
Screenplays
Literary non-fiction
Comic book or graphic novel scripts

This wide range of genres reflects the program’s commitment to supporting diverse forms of literary expression.

Eligible Training Programs

Applicants must be enrolled in a qualifying writing training program.

Eligible programs may include:

1. Undergraduate Writing Programs

Undergraduate degree programs with a major or minor in literary arts
Undergraduate programs focused on creative writing

2. Professional Writing Training

Recognized mentorship programs
Creative writing workshops
Master classes in literary arts
Short-term writing courses or training programs

Ineligible Programs

Certain programs are not eligible under the scholarship, including:

Graduate programs or graduate-level equivalents
Programs not focused on literary arts or creative writing

Applicants must ensure their training program meets the scholarship criteria.

Who is Eligible?

The scholarship is intended for young writers living in Alberta who are pursuing formal training in literary arts.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be residents of Alberta
Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons
Hold an open study permit from within Canada if applicable
Have maintained primary residence in Alberta for at least one year prior to applying
Normally live in Alberta for at least six months each year
Be 25 years old or younger at the application deadline
Be enrolled in an eligible writing training program

Applicants studying outside Alberta may still qualify if they meet residency requirements and are attending a formal program of study.

Ineligible Applicants

Certain applicants are not eligible for the scholarship.

These include:

International students in Canada without permanent residency status
International students enrolled in Canadian institutions located outside Canada
Non-Canadian students studying through online or internet-based programs

Applicants must meet both residency and citizenship requirements to qualify.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts emphasizes diversity, equity, and accessibility in its funding programs.

The scholarship encourages applications from writers belonging to communities that are often underrepresented in the arts, including:

Indigenous peoples
Racialized communities
Women
People with disabilities
2SLGBTQIA+ individuals

The program recognizes that diverse voices strengthen the literary landscape and contribute to richer cultural storytelling.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Emerging writers often face challenges when pursuing professional training and literary education.

The Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship helps address these barriers by:

Supporting young writers at an early stage of their careers
Providing funding for creative writing education
Encouraging artistic diversity and inclusion
Strengthening Alberta’s literary arts community

The scholarship plays an important role in nurturing the next generation of writers.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit an application demonstrating their literary talent and educational goals.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm eligibility requirements
Ensure you meet residency, age, and citizenship criteria.
Enroll in an eligible training program
Verify that the program qualifies under the scholarship guidelines.
Prepare application materials
This may include writing samples, personal statements, and proof of enrollment.
Explain your training goals
Describe how the program will help develop your literary career.
Submit the completed application before the deadline
Ensure all documentation is included.

Applications are typically evaluated based on artistic merit, potential, and clarity of training goals.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by focusing on several key elements.

Provide high-quality writing samples
Clearly describe your creative vision and literary goals
Explain how the training program will support your development
Demonstrate commitment to literary arts
Highlight any previous writing experience or achievements

Strong applications combine creative talent with clear educational objectives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following issues:

Submitting incomplete applications
Applying for ineligible training programs
Missing proof of residency or enrollment
Providing weak or unrelated writing samples
Failing to explain educational or training goals

Careful preparation helps ensure that the application meets all scholarship requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the value of the Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship?

The scholarship provides $7,000 in funding for eligible applicants.

2. Who can apply for the scholarship?

Applicants must be Alberta residents aged 25 or younger who are enrolled in an eligible literary arts training program.

3. Are graduate writing programs eligible?

No. Graduate programs or graduate-level equivalents are not eligible for this scholarship.

4. What literary genres are supported?

The scholarship supports several genres including fiction, poetry, plays, screenplays, literary non-fiction, and graphic novel scripts.

5. Are mentorships or workshops eligible training programs?

Yes. Recognized mentorships, workshops, master classes, and writing courses may qualify.

6. Can international students apply?

Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons are eligible. International students without these statuses are not eligible.

7. Why does the scholarship encourage applications from diverse communities?

The program aims to promote equity, inclusion, and diverse storytelling in the literary arts.

Conclusion

The Dr. MacEwan Literary Arts Scholarship provides valuable financial support for young writers in Alberta who are pursuing training in creative writing and literary arts. With $7,000 in funding, the program helps emerging writers develop their skills, pursue educational opportunities, and build careers in literature.

By supporting diverse voices and encouraging artistic development, the scholarship strengthens Alberta’s literary community and fosters the next generation of creative storytellers.