CNA textile program announces new graduate scholarship
5/7/2010 10:33:08 AM
The Canadian Federation of University of Women (CFUW) has established a $1,000 scholarship for current or former graduates of the Textiles: Craft and Apparel Design program at College of the North Atlantic.
The CFUW is an equality-seeking, advocacy organization that works to advance the human rights of women and girls. CFUW President, Gillian Brown, says this is the first time this scholarship has been offered.
“We are very pleased to be able to give this scholarship which was a direct result of the success of our book sale. Our Giant Used Book Sale is held annually, in the spring. Each year the public donates thousand of books to CFUW,” said Brown.
Applicants must be a graduate of the Textiles: Craft and Apparel Design program offered at the Anna Templeton Centre in downtown St. John’s. The program is for artistic and creative students who want to gain skills in apparel construction, design and sewing. The program provides a solid foundation for students to become self-employed crafts persons or artists; it also inspires students to pursue further studies in textiles or art.
Any Textiles: Craft and Apparel Design graduate applying for the $1,000 award must submit a portfolio and a letter of intent, which indicates their acceptance into an accredited school of art and design.
“This scholarship is designed to encourage the further development of the student and allow them to make the next important step towards a promising career in the textile arts,” said Lisa Shallow, manager of Alumni and Advancement.
“Each and every award is important to us at the college. Scholarships make a very real difference to our students. An award such as this one allows the graduate to make a connection between their program, the community, and their next career step.”
Katie Parnham is one of the program instructors. She feels recognition from the CFUW demonstrates that a career in the arts is considered a viable choice.
“Like all post-secondary education, there are huge costs associated with each program. While college tuition is relatively cheap in Newfoundland and Labrador, this is not the case in other provinces. Students who follow this type of career are driven to create. They will have to find their own niche in the industry. All and any support that can be given is really helpful,” Parnham explained.
Cloth making and textile creation has played a major role in the history of everyday life in Newfoundland and Labrador and Parnham feels this should be embraced more often.
“Textile production has been mainly produced by women. Newfoundland is known for its strong textile product; we need to keep this area strong,” she explained.
The application deadline for the CFUW award is May 14th, 2010. For an electronic copy of the application, email Lisa Shallow (lisa.shallow@cna.nl.ca) or Katie Parnham (katie.parnham@cna.nl.ca).
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Media Contact:
Colleen Connors
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709 643-6408
colleen.connors@cna.nl.ca