The Belva Thomas Charity Bursary Programme
The Préville Fine Arts Centre was founded in1974 by Belva Thomas, who was a leader in cultural and community activism on Montreal’s South Shore. To honor the memory of Mrs.Thomas and her work as a celebrated humanitarian, musician and community development entrepreneur, we established The Préville Fine Arts Centre Charity Bursary in her name.
See How the Belva Thomas Charity Bursary is Helping Families
Tax Receipts
All donations to the bursary fund made via Zeffy, CanadaHelps or by check will receive a tax receipt.
The Préville Fine Arts Centre Mission Statement
The Préville Fine Arts Centre is a non-profit, fine arts program focusing on music, art and education in the community of Montreal’s South Shore and beyond. Préville offers musical, artistic, STEM-based and cultural education to enrich the lives of families and learners of all ages and backgrounds in a bilingual setting. We are committed to offering quality, accessible instruction at an affordable price.
In accordance with our Mission Statement, the Belva Thomas Charity Bursary provides financial assistance to students who would not otherwise have the financial means to attend the Préville Fine Arts Centre or the Préville Fine Arts Summer Day Camp. The Belva Thomas Charity Bursary aims to give children between the ages of 5-16 who demonstrate financial need, the opportunity to discover, explore, create and inspire others in the areas of music, the arts, science and technology.
Purpose of the Bursary
- To allow students the opportunity to attend the Préville Fine Arts Centre by removing financial barriers for those who might not be able to experience it otherwise;
- To allow children the opportunity to attend the Préville Fine Arts Summer Day Camp by removing financial barriers for those who might not be able to experience it otherwise;
- To support and encourage diversity in students interested in the arts, music, culture, science and technology;
- To help students seeking opportunities for educational and creative development.
Eligibility
Any student between the ages of 5 – 16 who is interested in arts, music, culture, science and technology.
Criteria For Application of Bursary
- A personal statement of a few words describing why you would like a bursary from the Préville Fine Arts Centre
- A letter of support from a teacher or community member
- Submissions will be reviewed by a committee comprised of members of the Préville Fine Arts Centre Administration; it's possible that you may be asked for an interview.
Award
Will cover the full or partial cost of attending the Préville Fine Arts Centre or the Préville Fine Arts Summer Day Camp.
Note: bursary has no cash value.
Deadline to Apply
Please note: All our bursary funds have been allocated for the moment. We are currently not accepting bursary applications for our year-round programming (private music lessons and classes in art, music, dance etc..) and for our summer camp.
Our Supporters
Caisse Desjardins Charles-LeMoyne:
A new multi-year partner
Thank you to the Caisse Desjardins Charles-LeMoyne for their recent pledge to provide financial supportfor three-years to our bursary fund!
This community-minded organization is the first to step forward to provide crucial, ongoing support that will help make sure that no family is turned away from experiencing the joy and benefits that come from being a part of Préville’s community, and from participating in its unparalleled arts-based programming.
The Azrieli Foundation:
Generously supports our Summer Camp Fund
We gratefully acknowledge the Azrieli Foundation’s generous support of The Préville Fine Arts Centre’s Help Send a Child to Camp initiative, which is part of the Belva Thomas Bursary Program.
With the support of the Azrieli Foundation, many children who would not have otherwise had the opportunity, were able to attend our arts-based summer day camp in 2024.
