If you’re a creative student dreaming of funding to grow your art career, this opportunity is for you. The Liu Shiming Art Foundation, in partnership with Open Dreams, is offering the Liu Shiming Art Scholarship 2025/2026—a $3,000 USD award for talented university art students across Africa, including Nigeria.
This scholarship is designed to support students pursuing degrees in visual arts, sculpture, art history, design, film, music, and cultural studies, helping them build sustainable artistic careers with global exposure.
About the Liu Shiming Art Scholarship
The Liu Shiming Art Foundation celebrates artistic excellence and inclusion. Through this annual program, the foundation funds young African artists who show promise and originality.
Each winner will receive $3,000 USD to support their art education, purchase supplies, or fund creative projects that reflect African stories. The award also highlights the late sculptor Liu Shiming’s legacy of compassion and creativity.
This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also builds visibility for African artists in the global art scene—a key boost for anyone aiming to work internationally or sell their art online.
Eligibility of the scholarships
To qualify for this award, students must meet the following qualifications:
1. Students must be already accepted or already studying at a university or graduate program in visual arts, sculpture (3D arts), art history, art design, Film, music, and Cultural Study programs.
2. Students must be attending university in one of the following countries: Cameroon, Ghana, Rwanda, Liberia, Zambia, Nigeria, and South Africa.
3. Students must have demonstrated academic excellence.
4. Students must have exceptional project ideas and artistic project samples.
5. Students must show they will use the funds for study supplies, projects, traveling for projects or academic events, and/or tuition.
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6. A slight preference will be given to students who are specializing in sculpture and to students who have a demonstrated disability, in honor of Liu Shiming’s memory.
Benefits of the scholarship
Winners will each receive:
- $3,000 USD in direct financial support.
- Access to mentorship and networking through Open Dreams and the Liu Shiming Art Foundation.
- Recognition on global art platforms and foundation media channels.
- A chance to build an international portfolio that opens doors to higher study and residencies.
How to Apply
- Fill out the official application form via https://bit.ly/ODLiuShimingApply.
- Upload your portfolio or evidence of artistic work.
- Provide academic records and a personal statement describing your artistic vision.
- Submit before the deadline—November 21, 2025.
Why You Should Apply (Especially for Nigerian Students)
Art and design are becoming lucrative careers as digital creativity meets global demand. For Nigerian students in visual arts, design, or film, this scholarship offers more than funding—it’s a pathway to international recognition, creative entrepreneurship, and online income.
