The Dianne Cross Award for the Arts

The Dianne Cross Award for the Arts was created in honour of Dianne Cross, a founding member of ArtSea Community Arts Council in recognition of her remarkable support of arts & cultural activities on the Peninsula. The Scholarship continues that legacy by ensuring future generations of young artists can receive training & support in their education.

CONGRATULATIONS!

ArtSea Community Arts Council is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Dianne Cross Award for the Arts (ArtSea Scholarship).

This year, two outstanding graduating students from School District 63 have been selected to receive the award in recognition of their artistic achievement, dedication, and future potential in the arts.

Please join us in congratulating:

Makaeda Kelleway-Proulx

Stelly’s Secondary School

Makaeda is known for her excellent work ethic, kindness, and talent. She has excelled academically in all subjects and has been an integral part of the performing arts programs at Stelly’s throughout her four years. She plans to study both biochemistry and music at UVIC. Please join me in congratulating Makaeda Kelleway-Proulx.

Hope Hilliard, ArtSea President & Makaeda Kelleway-Proulx, 2026 ArtSea Scholarship Recipient

Ben Hood

Claremont Secondary School

Ben plans to pursue a career as an artist with a focus on digital illustration and storytelling. Over the years, this student has learned skills in digital illustration, character design, animation, and comic creation. Ben has even taken on freelance art commissions online and produced a range of custom artworks for a variety of clients.

Ben Hood – Claremont Secondary, 2026 ArtSea Scholarship Recipient

ArtSea Community Arts Council is proud to support emerging artists in our community and look forward to seeing the impact these students will make through their future studies and artistic pursuits.

Scholarship Funds

ArtSea provides $1,250 each year to support the development of young artists.

At the end of each December, the Saanich School Board receives these scholarship funds from ArtSea, at which time application information is sent to all School District 63 High Schools.

Tenure (click for more info)

To be awarded to a graduating student to further enhances the study in the Arts in any or all of following: painting, sculpture, fibre, dance, drama, music, voice. Award can be used for artistic development such as tuition, lesson fees, instrument purchase or rental.

Applicants do not require an ArtSea membership to apply for the Dianne Cross Award for the Arts.

Criteria (click)

Graduating students from SD63; Claremont, Stelly’s, Parkland, South Island Distance Education School and Individual Learning Centres are eligible.
This award is non-academic and will be awarded based on need and merit, more than academic achievement.

Selection (click)

Scholarship applications received by the School District prior to the submission deadline are reviewed by the SD63 Scholarship Committee, together with Dianne Cross. This award is non-academic and will be awarded based on need and information provided in the covering letter, more than academic achievement.

How to Apply (click)

Eligible students must complete and submit the following to their school Scholarship Counsellor/ Scholarship Coordinator, who will submit the information to the School Board.

District Scholarship Application (must be signed by a school counsellor), available online from SD63 or from your school counsellor.
Cover letter explaining desires and goals in developing various art training, and details of how funds will be spent. The cover letter is the most important part of the application.
Resume/curriculum vitae.
Transcript of marks from grade 11 and grade 12.
A letter of recommendation from current or previous instructor stating the area of interest and level of ability.
We love hearing about the short and long-term activities and accomplishments of candidates, and would be happy to receive future updates and examples of work.

Presentation (click)

The successful candidate is presented with the scholarship at their school awards ceremony. A member of the ArtSea governing board will be present to congratulate the winner.