Chance to follow in the footsteps of Loughbrickland playwrite

The programme supports individuals to deliver new creative work with the help of a bursary of up to £5,000 and was devised to provide career developmental opportunities for artists working in literature, music, visual and participatory arts.

In addition to the bursary, artists on the scheme are partnered with a professional arts organisation to receive mentoring and development support to help them deliver innovative and challenging new work.

Noirin McKinney, director of Arts Development at the Arts Council, said, “Last year was a great success for the sector and I am delighted to see the ACES awards now established as part of the Arts Council’s funding plan.

“Sustaining and investing in an individual artist’s talent is crucial to help them take their careers to the next level. Over the course of the year, the artists have enhanced their professional skills and gained huge benefits from working closely with their mentoring organisation.”

Over the last year, development opportunities have been provided by a number of organisations, including The Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry at Queen’s University, the Golden Thread Gallery, Tinderbox Theatre Company, Moving on Music and Belfast Community Circus School among others.

Jimmy McAleavey a playwright living in Loughbrickland, was one of 15 artists presented with an award last year.

Working under the Tinderbox Theatre Company as writer-in-residence, Jimmy said, “The collaboration with Tinderbox has been a really great experience. Helping first-time writers create their first play has been very exciting.

“It has become quite clear that we really are a nation of storytellers and that there is a lot of hidden talent out there. The ACES Award has made a difference to me as I have been able to develop my own writing skills, while the money bought me time to write another play.”

As part of the programme, major awards of £15,000 will also be presented, as well as smaller general arts awards up to a maximum of £1,500.

Applications for all awards close on 16 September and entry forms can be obtained by contacting the Arts Council on 9038 5246.