Emerging artist awarded DSA Foundation Scholarship

The Otago Polytechnic Education Foundation (OPEFT) is delighted to announce that Sophia Clifford has been awarded the 2026 DSA Foundation Legacy Scholarship.

The scholarship supports students entering the Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Dunedin School of Art and residing at Te Pā Tauira, helping to ease the cost of accommodation while they pursue their creative studies.

Chair of the OPEFT, Paul Allison, said Sophia stood out in a strong field of applicants.

“Each of the candidates demonstrated real talent and commitment, but Sophia’s application impressed the panel with its creativity, empathy, and clear sense of purpose. In particular, her vision for using art as a means of community connection really resonated.”

The selection panel included representatives from the Dunedin School of Art, Te Pā Tauira, and the Education Foundation, and considered four high-quality applications.

Sophia said she was both surprised and grateful to receive the award.

“This scholarship makes a real difference," she said.

"It allows me to focus more fully on my study and creative practice, and to engage more deeply with the community around me.”

(L-R - Bridie Lonie (OPEFT board member), Sophia Clifford (Scholarship winner), Renee Stringer (Te Pā Tauira Village Manager)

The 2026 DSA Foundation Legacy Scholarship provides a contribution of up to $5,000 towards accommodation costs at Te Pā Tauira and has been awarded for the current academic year.

OPEFT works to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for Otago Polytechnic learners to succeed.

“We are proud to support emerging artists like Sophia,” Paul said.

“Investing in creative talent is an investment in our wider community.”