Introduction:

The Thomas Devlin Fund has now re-opened for 2023 for applications from gifted young people, aged 15 to 19 years, who would like to study, or pursue a career, in creative arts, performing arts or music. The fund was set up in memory of Thomas Devlin who, at the age of 15, was murdered in an unprovoked attack in 2005.

The Fund provides an annual bursary scheme to support the development of applicants with a particular talent in their chosen career path of either music, performing arts or creative arts (including fine arts and literary art), to financially assist them to develop their skills and knowledge and help them move up to the next level in their journey.

Over the last sixteen years the bursaries have supported 99 young people in a range of diverse activities, including:

• Assisting an aspiring young artist to attend Arts College in London to pursue a career in Art & Design as well as Photography;
• Funding a young girl to attend a Prosthetics and Special Effects Makeup summer school for a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with a top Hollywood makeup artist;
• Assisting a local dancer hoping to work with the Birmingham Royal Ballet;
• Funding living costs in London so a recipient could take part in a summer National Youth Theatre production;
• Attending a 2-week residential cello course in Minnesota;
• Assisting a young girl to attend The Amy Geddis fiddle course in Scotland

2023 Round of applications

In 2023, the Fund will offer grants of up to £1,750 to young people, aged between 15-19, who would like to study or pursue a career in any one of the three categories of creative arts, performing arts, and music.

The Fund would particularly welcome innovative creative arts projects (including fine arts and literary art).

The aim of the Fund’s bursary scheme is to fund unique opportunities and activities above and beyond the ordinary, that will stimulate, encourage and inspire the young beneficiaries to enhance their prospects for their future and succeed in their particular field. We are particularly interested in supporting young people who may not have access to such opportunities.

The Fund will not support equipment costs.

The Fund will not support mobile app design/development or games design/development.

If this is you, you will need to demonstrate the following, within the application form provided:

• Prospect for development of your potential
• Your need for financial assistance – *please note that all personal information provided around your specific need will remain confidential and will require to be evidenced by way of a reference from your teacher/tutor/youth or support worker. We strongly encourage your referee to support your application and clearly articulate why you should receive a bursary.
• How the award will make a difference to your own life and to others in your community.

The form should be completed by both yourself and your teacher/tutor and returned to the Community Foundation by the closing date.

For more information, please contact the Grants Team on 028 9024 5927 at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is: Wednesday 5th April 2023 at 1:00pm

Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.