Council backs local artists

Two local artists have been awarded bursaries by Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Mayor Thomas Hogg presents local artists Sandra Weir and Skelton Rainey with Arts and Culture bursary awards. INNT 34-513CONMayor Thomas Hogg presents local artists Sandra Weir and Skelton Rainey with Arts and Culture bursary awards. INNT 34-513CON
Mayor Thomas Hogg presents local artists Sandra Weir and Skelton Rainey with Arts and Culture bursary awards. INNT 34-513CON

The grants were awarded to Skelton Rainey and Sandra Weir following a public advertisement and application process.

Skelton, who works in a number of mediums, was awarded the Tyrone Guthrie Bursary.

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Many of his sculptural designs, including three dimensional floral works, can be seen around the borough. He was able to show significant achievement in his chosen field in his application, and was awarded a bursary to spend two weeks at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig in County Monaghan.

The second bursary was awarded to Sandra Weir, who has had her work published in four books produced by Creative Impulse, a Newtownabbey writers group. Her work has also been featured on Radio Ulster on several occasions and a recent piece of work was included in an exhibition at the Ulster Hall entitled ‘Mapping Memories’.

Sandra was successful in her bursary application, and will be using it to attend the John Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh.

Alister Bell, Business Development Officer (Arts and Culture), at Newtownabbey Borough Council commented: “The support of the council in awarding bursaries will allow two art practitioners from the borough to spend time working on and further developing their projects, and to meet with other likeminded artists. We look forward to seeing the work Skelton and Sandra produce as a result of their bursaries.”

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The bursaries are part of the Arts and Cultural Section grants scheme which is open to individuals and groups who operate within the borough. In this financial year the grants scheme was able to support various groups, including Mossgrove Music Festival, Monkstown Community School Playgroup, and a number of individuals to attend various courses.

For further information about the Arts and Culture grants scheme log on to www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/funding or contact Alister Bell on 028 9034 0037.