2026
Documentary
Filmmaking
Scholarship

$10,000 in prizes for DC, Maryland, and Virginia college students

The Arts Club of Washington invites college students in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to participate in its 2026 Scholarship Competition in Documentary Filmmaking. This annual competition recognizes emerging artists and supports their creative development through monetary awards and public recognition.

Opens
February 10

Awards

  • First Place: $2,000

  • Second Place: $1,000

  • Third Place: $750

Winners will be honored at an awards brunch at the historic Arts Club of Washington and winning entries will be screened for Club members and guests.

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

  • Undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at accredited colleges and universities in DC, Maryland, or Virginia

  • Must be enrolled during Spring 2026 semester

  • All majors welcome - enrollment in a film program is NOT required

  • Work must be original creation of the applicant

  • Arts Club members and their immediate family members are not eligible

What To Submit

1. Documentary Film

  • Maximum length: 10 minutes (including credits)

  • Resolution: 1080p minimum required

  • Submit via YouTube (unlisted) or Vimeo (password-protected) link

  • Include any password in application

  • Links must remain active through April 2026

  • Must include English subtitles if dialogue is not in English

  • Winners will be asked to provide original files (up to 4K) for archival

2. Written Statement (250 words max)

  • Your artistic background

  • Subject and significance of your documentary

  • Your creative approach and vision

3. Faculty Recommendation

  • One letter from a faculty member familiar with your work (PDF)

4. Application Form

  • Complete the online form

Content Guidelines

  • All content must be original work created by the applicant

  • Work must have been completed within the past two years (after January 1, 2024)

  • Documentaries may cover any subject matter appropriate for general audiences

  • AI-generated content is prohibited (AI editing assistance is permitted, but AI-generated imagery, narration, or synthetic content is not allowed)

  • Applicants must have necessary permissions for copyrighted materials and identifiable individuals

Judging Criteria

Films will be evaluated by professional filmmakers and documentary experts on:

  • Storytelling: Compelling narrative, clarity, emotional engagement

  • Originality: Fresh perspective, creative approach, unique voice

  • Technical Quality: Cinematography, sound, editing, production values

  • Impact: Ability to inform, inspire, or provoke thought

  • Artistic Vision: Understanding of the documentary form

Important Dates

  • February 10, 2026 - Competition Opens

  • March 14, 2026 - Submission Deadline

  • April 4, 2026 - Winners Notified

  • April 19, 2026 - Awards Brunch

About the Arts Club

Founded in 1916, the Arts Club of Washington is one of the nation's oldest arts organizations, dedicated to promoting the visual, literary, and performing arts. Located in the historic James Monroe House on I Street NW, the Club hosts exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and special events throughout the year.

 The Arts Club of Washington Scholarship Competition is made possible through the generosity of the Ann Bartsch Dunne Scholarship Fund and individual donors.