Santa Fe, NM (Top40 Charts/ Santa Fe University of Art and Design) Santa Fe University of Art and Design (SFUAD) today announced the inaugural recipients of the Robert Redford/Milagro Initiative Scholarship awards. Full-ride Unique Voice scholarships were awarded to students Alejandra Castro of Mexico and Priscila Torres of El Salvador. The Unique Voice scholarship, for eligible students who wish to earn a BFA in Film at SFUAD, covers full tuition, room and board, and base fees - a value of approximately $160,000 toward a four-year degree. Recipients represent and bring forth the voice of Indigenous people from the U.S. and around the world.
Thirteen other students received Emerging Artists awards, which cover up to $15,000 or $7,000 per year, depending on their program of study.
While the scholarship program is funded by the university, recipients were selected by actor and Academy Award-winning director Robert Redford, in conjunction with The Milagro Initiative, a nonprofit organized as a center for creative training in film, the arts and sustainable futures. The Milagro Initiative is directed by Kathleen Broyles, who also serves as the Sundance
Institute feature film program consultant and is a member of The Film School at SFUAD's Advisory Board.
"I am grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with SFUAD and the Milagro Initiative on the discovery of these new voices with so much promise for the future," said Redford. "And it is a particular honor to be part of the creative development of these terrific and impressive young people."
Unique Voice Scholarships:
Alejandra Castro, Film; Mexico (currently living in Buckeye, Ariz.)
Priscila Torres, Film; El Salvador
Emerging Artist Scholarships:
Alec Brown, Film; Austin, Texas
Jesse Garcia, Studio Art; Rio Rancho, N.M.
Lia Gotz, Film; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic*
Steven Harling, Jr., Photography; Temple, N.H.
Sean Hennington, Film; Roswell, N.M.
Carrie House, Film; Gallup, N.M.
Ana Krafchick, Film; Seattle, Wash.
Summer Matthews, Film; Seattle, Wash.
Anastasia McAllister, Film; Vancouver, Wash.
Nicholas Quintero, Contemporary Music; San Antonio, Texas
Cecily Smith, Photography; Cochiti Pueblo, N.M.
Korie Tatum, Photography; Rio Rancho, N.M.
Jessica Woo, Film;
Marina del Rey, Calif.
To be considered for the program, students must submit materials required for admission to the university, provide an essay and/or video addressing why they want to become a Redford/Milagro Initiative scholar, and submit a portfolio demonstrating an appreciation of the chosen theme.
"We are thankful for Mr. Redford's, the Milagro Initiative's and Ms. Broyles' partnership on this important and unique scholarship program," said Larry Hinz, president of SFUAD. "This inaugural year's awardees will contribute incredible diversity and talent to SFUAD's programs and campus community. We are excited to be a part of their growth and contributions going forward."
