The Arts Council of Brazos Valley, through the generous support of local donors, awards multiple scholarships each year to deserving young artists in the Brazos Valley. Since 2010, The Arts Council of Brazos Valley has awarded over $100,000 in scholarship funds to deserving Brazos Valley High School seniors pursuing their dreams of a college degree and career in the arts! We offer the:
In the current year, The Arts Council of Brazos Valley will award over $15,000 in scholarship funding to help young artists achieve their dream of a college education and ultimately a successful career in the arts. We need your help to continue to grow this inspiring program! To make a designated scholarship gift today, contact deputy@acbv.org or visit the donation link:
Scholarship applications are now closed.
The College Arts Scholarship is open to all graduating High School seniors in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties who will attend an accredited college or university with a course of study in the arts, culture, or heritage fields. Individual scholarship awards range from $3,000 to $5,200.
2023 Recipients
Richard Badillo Jr. - Music
Zoe May - Art Education
Netta and John Simek made their home in Bryan and became involved in the community immediately after their marriage in 1992. Netta served The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley's Board of Directors in many capacities; this included serving as President and she orchestrated several of our signature fundraising events. Together, Netta and John enthusiastically participated in and were integral to, successful and major events for MSC OPAS, The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley, The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, and many others. Even when health did not permit her a more intense involvement, Netta, with John always by her side, continued to attend community arts events, showing her heartfelt support.
In November 2015 and August 2016, the community lost both Netta and John, two of our most ardent arts supporters. The arts community in the Brazos Valley was greatly enhanced by Simeks' philanthropy and active support. Brazos Valley and the community were deeply saddened by their passing. The Simek's truly loved the arts; Netta was particularly passionate about empowering and encouraging young women to take on leadership roles in the field. After Netta's passing in November, John approached The Arts Council with a generous leadership gift to perpetuate Netta's work in positively impacting the lives of women in our community. A new scholarship in her honor was established in July.
In memory of Simek's dedication and lasting impact on the arts in the Brazos Valley, The Arts Council is honored to be the home of the Netta Jackson Simek Emerging Artist Scholarship. This scholarship has been awarded annually to one innovative young woman student since May of 2017.
2023 Recipient
Jazmin Bazan - Visualization
James Young Bradfield IV (11/5/1950-2/22/2021) graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 1973 and received his Doctor of Philosophy from Ohio State University in 1979. Following Post- Doctoral work in Canada Jay began a career in research that led him to the Texas A&M Medical School. While Jay’s career focused on Biochemistry and Medical Research, he never lost his love for music and the fine arts.
In August of 2000, Jay joined forces with wife Coleen to begin giving back to their new home in Aggieland. Jay was an excellent pianist and used his vast knowledge of music to begin composing and was especially interested in Gospel music. His compositions have been donated and performed at churches in Texas including Christ United Methodist Church where Jay was a member of the CUMC Choir until he was no longer able to perform. Jay also served on the CUMC Salt and Light Mission Book Store Board of Directors and along with his wife Coleen supported the Arts Council of Brazos Valley and was integral in establishing a new home for the Arts Council while enthusiastically supporting the many programs offered by the Arts Council. The couple also worked together to promote and support Habitat for Humanity, OPAS, Twin City Mission, and many other community needs.
Jay was never one to seek applause or notoriety through his philanthropy was known and appreciated by many. In memory of Jay Bradfield’s love and support of both visual and performing arts the James Young Bradfield Fine Arts Scholarship will be awarded annually to a young man or woman planning to major in either the visual or performing arts.
2023 Recipient
Andrew Vorse Lede - Jazz Studies, Piano