Careers in the performing arts should be open to all who aspire to them, and especially those for whom such a career requires navigating economic, social and symbolic hurdles. In order to help future artists make their dreams a reality, the Fondation d’entreprise Hermès has developed a programme of means-tested bursaries for students whose financial situation may prevent them from expressing their full potential and succeeding in their performing-arts training.
In practical terms, the bursaries are open to students who have been accepted on dance, theatre, circus or puppetry programmes at one of twenty one partner institutions located throughout France. After an open call for applications, bursaries are awarded by a selection committee who have already enabled three cohorts of bursary students to be supported by the Foundation. The amount awarded varies according to the financial circumstances of each applicant, and the bursaries are delivered in monthly instalments for a period of up to three academic years. This financial support aims to free students from everyday economic concerns so that they can fully dedicate themselves to their artistic training.
