Risk of failure is key to college money

Applications will be accepted through March 20 from college-bound Colorado high school seniors who “embrace creative risk-taking and demonstrate the courage to go against the grain of every day,” according to information from the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. The MCA Denver’s new Failure Fair Scholarship program will award one $ 10,000 scholarship and several additional program awards and is open to all Colorado high school seniors, regardless of their intended field of study in college.

Adam Lerner, director and chief animator of the MCA Denver, said, “Artists put forth something new in the world without knowing if what they create will be embraced or ridiculed, in short, risking failure … This inspired the MCA Denver team to create an award that encourages young people to risk being ridiculous, impossible, fantastical or merely impractical. We want to find creative students who are deserving of a college scholarship.”

Winners will receive awards, paid directly to their colleges, in four annual installments. Second- and third-place winners receive $ 5,000 and $ 2,500 respectively. Up to five additional winners will receive $ 500 each. Disbursement requires ongoing full-time enrollment and a 2.5 cumulative grade average.

Eligible students can submit proposals to MCA’s partner, the Denver Foundation, by March 20.

Participants will be evaluated on creativity, innovation and ability to work within the theme of risking failure as an integral part of the creative process. Students must submit a creative project. If selected, student will present his or her idea to a judges’ panel during the first annual Failure Fair on April 23. Projects of all kinds will be considered, including, but not limited to visual arts, performing arts, fashion, technology, design and others.

For more information, visit the museum website, www.mcadenver.org.

The MCA Denver is located at 1485 Delgany St., Denver, in a wonderful building designed by David Adjaye. It features local, national and international artists and offers ongoing public programs. Admission costs $ 8, $ 5 for seniors and college students. Teens (13-18) and children are admitted free. Hours: noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; noon to 9 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 303-298-7554.