Music in the air as Thomas Devlin Fund invites applications for bursaries

Music in the air as Thomas Devlin Fund invites applications for bursaries

The Thomas Devlin Fund is open for applications for 2017. Bursaries of up to £1,750 are available for young people aged 15-19 who would like to pursue a career or study in music. The closing date for applications has been extended to 31 March.

The Fund which was established in 2006 in memory of murdered Belfast teenager Thomas Devlin, has to date helped 58 young people follow their dreams of working towards a career in the creative industries.

Fifteen year old Thomas who had a love for art and music was killed in 2005 in an unprovoked attack on his way home from buying sweets at a local shop.  He died just 200 metres from the safety of his house. 

Thomas’ family established the Fund with the Community Foundation not only to help other young people with a similar love of the arts pursue opportunities which Thomas would have loved, but also to raise awareness about the effects and impact of violence.

The bursary scheme provides young people with exciting and unique opportunities to develop their skills and talent further.  Bursaries have gone towards the costs of attending courses in London and America, as well as buying equipment which helps young film-makers, musicians  and artists to progress their endeavours.

Speaking as the Fund opened to applications Thomas’ mother Penny Holloway said: “The trustees of the Fund are delighted that so many young people have benefitted from bursaries, it is a fitting tribute to the memory of Thomas.

“This year, the focus is on music and we hope that young musicians who would benefit from financial support to help them with their studies will apply for a bursary. The applications can cover a range of study opportunities from masterclasses to longer periods of study.”

Previous bursary recipient Jamie Phillips from Bangor said; “I received a Thomas Devlin Fund Bursary to attend a two week National Youth Theatre course in London. It was very helpful for me because I have an older sister at university and a younger brother and I didn’t want to put extra financial pressure on my parents. The course which I was able to attend as a result of the bursary has enabled me to expand my skills and knowledge and has inspired me to keep on going to become an actor.”

Andrew McCracken Chief Executive of the Community Foundation said: “The Thomas Devlin Fund is hugely important because it demonstrates generosity at its best, and it shows that people coming together and giving can make a real difference to individuals.

“We are proud to manage the Thomas Devlin Fund on behalf of Thomas’ parents Penny and Jim who have worked hard to help young people pursue their dreams despite their own sadness at the loss of Thomas. In the ten years of the Fund’s existence it has supported young people to pursue some amazing opportunities,” said Andrew.

The bursaries aim to fund specific opportunities and activities above and beyond the ordinary that will stimulate, encourage and inspire the young beneficiaries to succeed in their particular creative field. This year the Fund will provide bursaries for those wishing to pursue further study or activities in music.

Applicants will need to demonstrate:

• Prospect for development of their potential;

• Need for financial assistance; and

• How the award will make a difference to their own life and to others in their community.

Applications should be submitted to the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland by 1:00pm on 31 March 2017.



Last updated 7 years ago