THE SEARCH for aspiring young artist scholars of the Philippine High School for the Arts is on, the Department of Education said.

The annual nationwide search aims to identify and develop artistically gifted and talented children and help them become excellent artists in the fields of ballet and folk dance, creative writing, music, theater and visual arts.

“We encourage every learner to be part of the continuing source of brilliant artists leaders in the preservation, conservation, and promotion of the Filipino artistic and cultural tradition,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

To qualify, an applicant must be a Filipino citizen who has an outstanding ability in dance (folk or ballet), music (instrument and voice), creative writing, theater, and visual arts. The applicant must also be a Grade 6 pupil this School Year 2021–2021 either in public or private school, not more than 13 years old by the opening of School Year 2022–2023 in August 2022, must be proficient in oral and written language (English and Filipino), in good health and must be willing to study in a boarding school.

Those who will be selected are entitled to a full scholarship, which includes free tuition, board and lodging, monthly stipend, individualized classes with master teachers, and a chance to represent the country in international competitions, arts festivals and exchange programs.

The scholarship is renewable every year upon the fulfillment of academic and non-academic requirements in the K to 12 Curriculum.

“We must enrich the appreciation of arts, culture, and literature in rounding out the scope of our basic education. The curricular content on culture and arts should be complemented with greater exposure to these as they are essential in critical thinking,” Briones noted.

Applicants may directly send their accomplished applications forms and requirements by email to the Annual Nationwide Search for Young Artist Scholars, Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna.