Santa Fe University of Art and Design Announces Inaugural Recipients of Robert Redford/Milagro Initiative Scholarships

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SANTA FE, N.M., May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Fe University of Art and Design (SFUAD) today announced the inaugural recipients of the Robert Redford/Milagro Initiative Scholarship awards. Full-ride Unique Voice scholarships were awarded to students Alejandra Castro of Mexico and Priscila Torres of El Salvador. The Unique Voice scholarship, for eligible students who wish to earn a BFA in Film at SFUAD, covers full tuition, room and board, and base fees—a value of approximately $160,000 toward a four-year degree. Recipients represent and bring forth the voice of Indigenous people from the U.S. and around the world.

Twelve other students received Emerging Artists awards, which cover up to $15,000 or $7,000 per year, depending on their program of study.

While the scholarship program is funded by the university, recipients were selected by actor and Academy Award–winning director Robert Redford, in conjunction with The Milagro Initiative, a nonprofit organized as a center for creative training in film, the arts and sustainable futures. The Milagro Initiative is directed by Kathleen Broyles, who also serves as the Sundance Institute feature film program consultant and is a member of The Film School at SFUAD's Advisory Board.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with SFUAD and the Milagro Initiative on the discovery of these new voices with so much promise for the future," said Redford. "And it is a particular honor to be part of the creative development of these terrific and impressive young people."

To be considered for the program, students must submit materials required for admission to the university, provide an essay and/or video addressing why they want to become a Redford/Milagro Initiative scholar, and submit a portfolio demonstrating an appreciation of the chosen theme.

"We are thankful for Mr. Redford's, the Milagro Initiative's and Ms. Broyles' partnership on this important and unique scholarship program," said Larry Hinz, president of SFUAD. "This inaugural year's awardees will contribute incredible diversity and talent to SFUAD's programs and campus community. We are excited to be a part of their growth and contributions going forward."

About The Film School at SFUAD

The Film School at Santa Fe University of Art and Design offers a relevant, hands-on BFA curriculum that emphasizes production skills, business savvy, and storytelling across multiple film and video platforms. Films such as True Grit and Cowboys & Aliens and TV dramas such as Longmire have been shot at the university's Garson Studios, where students have the opportunity to intern on professional productions on two motion picture soundstages—at 14,000 and 7,500 square feet. The Film School also has its own 2,200-square-foot soundstage and green screen, as well as a professional set from The Sunset Limited. The Screen, a popular destination within the Garson Communications Center, shows some of the greatest works of world cinema daily for students and the public.

About Santa Fe University of Art and Design
Santa Fe University of Art and Design is an accredited institution located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of the world's leading centers for art and design. The university offers degrees in arts management, contemporary music, creative writing, digital arts, graphic design, film, performing arts, photography and studio art. Faculty members are practicing artists who teach students in small groups, following a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines hands-on experience with core theory and prepares graduates to become well-rounded, creative, problem-solving professionals. As a Laureate International Universities Center of Excellence in Art, Architecture and Design, the university boasts an international student body and opportunities to study abroad, encouraging students to develop a global perspective on the arts. Santa Fe University of Art and Design is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

SOURCE Santa Fe University of Art and Design