Arts Whistler and the Community Foundation of Whistler have announced a new scholarship in honour of the late Chili Thom.
The Chili Thom Scholarship Fund will offer bursaries to graduating high school students in the Sea to Sky corridor who are pursing art—though not necessarily at a post-secondary level. If no high school students apply, it will also be open to burgeoning artists in the community.
In total, four people will be awarded around $500 to use for formal education, art supplies or equipment, workshops or other art-related activities.
Applicants—who must be working towards becoming a professional artist in the fields of fine art, theatre, filmmaking, creative writing, digital media or music—will have to submit a sample of work and answer a question inspired by Thom: "briefly describe how the art you make in the future will have the potential to inspire a community and sustain our environment."
The new scholarship was created following the month-long celebration of Thom's life in June 2017, which raised $45,200. The artist, filmmaker, DJ and all-around creative lost his battle to cancer in November 2016 at the age of 40.
"Chili was instrumental in the development of arts and culture in Whistler," says Heather Paul, chair of the Arts Whistler board in a release. "He was a brilliant painter and an unwavering advocate for our community's artists. But even more importantly, Chili was someone who encouraged others to be all they could be. It is an honour to see this legacy begin, and humbling to know that the unbounded generosity of the citizens and businesses of Whistler has guaranteed that Chili Thom's name will still be called out loud long after our own lifetimes are over."
Applications are currently being accepted. The deadline to submit is April 15. For more information visit whistlerfoundation.com/grantseekers/how-to-apply-for-a-scholarship/.
