I’m part of the advisory panel of this mentoring programme for young Northern Irish artists.

A mentor programme designed for 21 outstanding young artists across the full creative spectrum (painters and photographers, film-makers, poets, playwrights and short-story writers, composers and musicians, actors, directors, producers, singers and song-writers) to develop their artistic skills and creative expertise. A host of Northern Ireland’s most talented creatives will nurture and guide young participants, providing crucial career and business guidance to set them on their way to a successful career. 

Check out more information here.

Are you a passionate young artist from Northern Ireland with a story to tell, a song to sing or a picture to share?

We are looking for 21 outstanding young artists across the full creative spectrum (painters and photographers, film-makers, animators, designers, poets, playwrights and short-story writers, composers and musicians, actors, directors, producers, singers and song-writers) who are willing to spend time in the summer of 2021 on developing their artistic skills and creative work.

The successful candidates will each be assigned an experienced mentor (carefully matched to their own needs) to help them bring a creative project to fruition. Some of these will be individual efforts e.g. paintings, photographs, songs, poems or plays. Other artists will work together towards the production of a short play, a dance piece, or an ensemble musical performance etc. Everyone will be encouraged to share their work together at the end of the programme and to find a wider platform through recordings and publication. Where appropriate, successful applicants will be encouraged and supported to make connections through the mentor groups (e.g. composers and musicians, writers and actors, choreographers and dancers etc.).

Each of the 21 successful artists will receive:

– A bursary of £350 a week for the duration of their agreed project

– The support of a designated mentor

– Residential or travel costs and other resources as appropriate for their project

– Access to seminars on career development

– The opportunity to have their work showcased in a high profile cultural event

Please note that during the application process you will be asked to give:

1. An outline of your artistic achievements to date and ambitions for the future (which may include a specific artistic proposal)

2. An example of your work (an artwork or audition piece according to discipline) – this can be uploaded if under 10mb, or you can link to a corresponding Dropbox or Google Drive

3. A reference from a teacher or arts professional

In your application you need to demonstrate that for your stage of creative development you have:

1. An outstanding track record of creativity 

2. An outstanding level of technique 

3. An outstanding level of motivation 

4. Clear potential for further development

Please do apply or share with anyone you think will be interested.