Creative Excellence Grants (formerly Sharett)

Program Type: Scholarship and grant program for artistic education

Overview:
AICF's signature program provides scholarships to artists in the fields of Dance, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts that enable them to pursue their artistic education. The Creative Excellence Scholarships program started in 1955.

Geographic Scope

• Eligibility: Israeli Citizens or Permanent Residents only
• Focus: Support for young artists in Israel

Disciplines Covered

• Dance: Ballet and modern dance
• Music: All orchestral instruments, voice, piano, saxophone, conducting, composition, jazz, and Arab music
• Theater: Acting
• Visual Arts: Painting, sculpture, photography, multimedia, video, visual communications, fashion, jewelry, industrial and textile design

Program Details

• Scholarship auditions conducted annually
• Approximately 1,000 auditions held every year
• Hundreds of young artists awarded scholarship support annually
• Over 18,000 artists have benefited since program establishment
• Artists typically receive ongoing support starting around ages 10-13 and continuing through ages 21-35, depending on discipline
• All candidates assessed by 3 independent judges specific to each field and discipline
• Each jury comprised of top artists in their field with significant careers in Israel and/or abroad
• Approximately 40 judges participate in evaluation process annually across all fields

Impact

Many recipients are currently members of Israel's leading orchestras, dance troupes, and theatre companies. Others present in museums and galleries in Israel and abroad, have international careers, and are active in television and film industries. Recipients make up a substantial segment of Israel's cultural infrastructure.

Contact

• Program Director: Jessica Hadler – [email protected]
• Program Administrator: Ophir Lotan – [email protected]

Note

All program requirements and applications are in Hebrew only. Schedule and requirements are subject to change.

Application Process

1. Registration: Online registration process available
2. Audition: Candidates audition before 3 independent judges specific to their field and discipline
3. Assessment: Top-caliber musicians assess applicants and make recommendations for grants
4. Selection: Judges evaluate based on artistic excellence and potential

Application Requirements

• Israeli citizenship or permanent residency required
• Schedule and requirements subject to change
• For most up-to-date information, refer to AICF IL page in each field
• All applications and program requirements in Hebrew only

Contact for More Information

• Jessica Hadler, Program Director – [email protected]
• Ophir Lotan, Program Administrator – [email protected]