Borough arts bursaries - still time to apply

There is still time for young people involved in a wide range of arts activities to apply for a financial "helping hand" from the Royal Borough.

Talented youngsters aged under 25 living in the borough have until Monday 4 July to submit their applications for this year's round of arts bursaries to help them with the cost of training, travel and equipment needed to progress in their chosen field.

Young people with a variety of artistic talents may qualify for an award including:
• performing arts (e.g. music, dance and theatre)
• fine, decorative and plastic arts (e.g. photography, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting)
• new media (digital art, film or video and web installations).

Mark Taylor, Head of Libraries, Arts and Heritage, said: "Our annual arts bursaries are a fantastic opportunity for young people to demonstrate their skills and talents and potentially receive financial help to enable them to take those talents even further.

"The bursaries are usually very popular and we are not always able to give every applicant an award so the panel looks at each application individually against the established criteria. I would like to encourage any young person involved in the arts in the borough to get their application in by the July deadline."

Applications will be assessed on:
• the level of achievement and/or potential in relation to the chosen art form
• any assistance already given to the individual, and any grant aid awarded previously
• first-time applicants will be favoured over applicants who have received awards before.

All applicants need to submit evidence of their work for assessment including a sequence of no more than two minutes of their work on CD, video or audio tape, or a portfolio of 10 significant works. These will be returned when the award decisions have been made.

Applicants who need extra support for their submission can ask a teacher or seek help from their local arts centre.

The closing date for applications for this year's awards is Monday 4 July 2011. Bursaries are presented in October.

An application form including guidance and conditions for the arts bursary scheme is available to download from www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/arts_funding_grants.htm.

If you require further information email arts@rbwm.gov.uk

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