SCHOLARSHIP

2026 EMERGING AND PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SCHOLARSHIPS

Big Ears is a place of creative discovery, community, 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 to provide emerging and professional artists admission to the 2026 festival at no cost. A total of twenty general admission weekend passes will be awarded through a simple application process. We encourage applicants who represent the full range of artistic styles, at any stage of their careers. Stay tuned for application details for The 2026 Big Ears Scholarship program

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

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Applicant must be age 16 or over.
• 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.
• Award is for a festival pass only; recipients will be responsible for any associated travel, food, and lodging costs.

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