Borough arts bursaries - call for applications

Young people involved in the arts are once again invited to apply for funding through the Royal Borough's arts bursary scheme.

The popular scheme provides financial awards to young people under the age of 25 to enable them to pursue their artistic skills.

The awards recognise talent in a variety of arts activities ranging from music, dance and theatre, photography, sculpture, ceramics and painting to new media which includes film and video making.

All applications will be assessed by an awards panel on:
· the level of achievement and/or potential in relation to their chosen art form
· any assistance already given to the applicant, including any grant previously awarded (first time applicants will be favoured over applicants who have received awards previously).

Applicants will have to submit evidence of their work to the assessment panel including a presentation of no more than two minutes of their work on CD, video, audio tape or a portfolio of ten pieces of work.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for leisure and culture, said: "This is a great opportunity for young people to demonstrate their skills and talents and potentially receive financial assistance to enable them to take those skills even further.

"Competition for the awards is usually high, so applicants need to show their commitment by submitting evidence to the panel.  I would urge all young people pursuing arts activities to apply for one of our bursaries which could be the financial boost they need to continue to develop those skills to a higher level."

The closing date for applications is Thursday April 24.   Decisions on awards – which are supported by Hutchinson 3G and the Louis Baylis (Maidenhead Advertiser) Trust – are made through a two-stage process in April and May and bursaries will be presented in the autumn.

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

For further information contact Margaret Kirby, community and development manager on 01628 685811 or email arts@rbwm.gov.uk