For DonorsFor Applicants

Matt Preziose Creative Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
Nov 22, 2024
Winners Announced
Dec 22, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate student
Field of Study:
Arts
State:
NY

Matt Preziose was a beautiful soul who passed away too soon at the age of 25 due to an accident at sea.

Matt was a free spirit, a graphic designer, and a passionate photographer. Matt loved life, loved to travel, and was vacationing with his boyfriend in Hawaii when he was swept out to sea on March 5th, 2022. 

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Matt Preziose by supporting students in New York who are pursuing a degree in the arts.

Any undergraduate student pursuing an art-related major in the state of NY may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, submit your favorite piece of work and briefly tell us why freedom of creative expression is important to you.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published August 21, 2024
Essay Topic

Please submit one of your favorite pieces and tell us why freedom of creative expression is important to you.


0–300 words

Winning Application

Ishrat Ali
State University of New York at New PaltzNew Paltz, NY
Melanie Douglas-Gonzalez
SUNY at Purchase CollegePelham, NY
In an industry where only 3% of designers are black (reported in an AIGA Census Report), I am propelled by the profound impact I can make as a black woman in design, challenging the status quo and amplifying underrepresented voices. As a black woman, it is my motivation to enter the field of design, where I can challenge norms, reshape narratives, and create a more inclusive creative landscape. As a designer, I understand the importance of challenging these norms and using design to redefine social opinion. Through my work, I want to explore the boundaries of design and technology and shed light on global issues. As a queer person, a black person, and a woman, I want to create accessible works that highlight the experiences of marginalized communities, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more inclusive world. I strive to make a positive impact by pushing the boundaries of design, leveraging technology, and acting as a visual voice for marginalized communities. Motivated by my personal experiences as a queer person, a black person, and a woman, I aspire to contribute to my field by creating accessible works that highlight the experiences of marginalized communities. Through design, I aim to shed light on global issues and foster a more inclusive world where everyone's story is heard and celebrated. I bring a distinct voice and lived experiences that contribute to the diversity and richness of creative discourse. Receiving a scholarship would provide the support and resources needed to explore new artistic horizons and leverage technology to create impactful pieces. With this scholarship, I can act as a visual voice for those whose stories are often overlooked, challenging the status quo and promoting inclusivity in the creative industry.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Nov 22, 2024. Winners will be announced on Dec 22, 2024.