The Chatham-Kent Arts Council says a local family has made a multi-year commitment to support a scholarship for students pursuing post-secondary studies in the arts.
In a release, the council announced the Karen DeKoning Scholarship for Arts & Culture Studies will continue with a five-year commitment from the DeKoning family. The scholarship supports Chatham-Kent youth studying full-time in arts and culture fields at the post-secondary level.
One award of $2,000 will be granted to a graduating high school student from any secondary school in Chatham-Kent.
Karen DeKoning, who died in 2021, was a longtime volunteer and advocate for the arts and humanities. She volunteered with the Thames Art Gallery and Chatham Cultural Centre in the 1980s and 1990s, serving as president of the volunteer committee and convenor of “Eye for Art.”
Following a breast cancer diagnosis at age 48, she founded a local support group for breast cancer survivors and later became involved in national patient advocacy and cancer prevention organizations. She also served on advisory and review committees related to research initiatives, funding agencies and scientific conferences, and was a community representative for the Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program.
DeKoning was also involved with the Chatham-Kent Hospice advisory committee and served as a member and president of the May Court Club of Chatham. She contributed to fundraising efforts for the Chatham-Kent Animal Shelter, studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and was a member of the Chatham Kent Chorale.
Karen’s sons, Lawrence and Jason DeKoning, said, “This scholarship is the perfect way to recognize Mom’s love of the exceptional creativity of exceptional individuals in Chatham-Kent. Our family is proud to support arts and culture in our hometown.”
“We are extremely grateful for this sustained support from the DeKoning family,” said Laurie Langford, board chair of the Chatham-Kent Arts Council. “Karen’s legacy is one of community-building and care. It extends to supporting emerging talent and ensuring the creative sector’s future.”
The scholarship is open to students aged 16 to 20 graduating in 2026 and supports a range of disciplines, including performing and literary arts, arts administration and recording arts.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2026, through the Chatham-Kent Arts Council website. Applicants are required to provide a CV, artist statement and at least three work samples.
Selected applicants must be available for interviews with the council’s adjudication committee, expected to be scheduled by May 22.
The successful applicant must provide proof of post-secondary registration by Sept. 1, 2026, before funds are released and will be recognized at the council’s Cultural Hall of Fame event on Oct. 22, 2026, at the Chatham Cultural Centre.
The application form can be found, here.
The guidelines can be found, here.
