SCHOLARSHIP

2026 EMERGING AND PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SCHOLARSHIPS

Big Ears believes in fostering a community of creative discovery and dialogue, and we strive to bring as many artists into the conversation as possible. To that end, we are pleased to offer a scholarship program that provides emerging and professional artists admission to the 2026 festival at no cost. Approximately twenty general admission weekend passes will be awarded through our application process. We encourage artists from all backgrounds and career stages to apply. The scholarship application is available beginning Thursday, September 11 at 9:00am ET and will close on Friday, November 14 at Midnight ET.

This program is made possible with generous support from Patti and John Haslett.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Applicant must be 16 years of age or older.
• Artists of all kinds are welcome (music, visual arts, performing arts, etc.).
• Applicant must be a student, emerging / early-career artist, or professional artist.
• Previous attendees are eligible to apply, but priority will be given to those who have never attended Big Ears Festival.

POLICIES
• Applicants may not apply for more than one pass.
• If an applicant has previously been awarded a scholarship, they are not eligible to apply again.
• Award is for a festival pass only; recipients will be responsible for any associated travel, food, and lodging costs.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

• Scholarship recipients will receive a 4-Day General Admission Weekend Pass (excluding separately ticketed concerts).
• Invitation to the exclusive Big Ears Festival Kick-Off Party on Thursday evening.
• Opening reception for all fellow scholarship recipients.

If you have any questions, please contact development@bigearsfestival.org with the subject line “2026 ARTIST SCHOLARSHIP.”