Bursaries available for young people in music, creativity, the performing arts and Irish culture from the Joan Trimble Awards

The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards are open for application. Administered by The Fermanagh Trust, the bursary scheme was set up in 2002 in memory of the Enniskillen-born musician and composer.  Established by her family, the Awards recognise Joan’s lifelong commitment to County Fermanagh and their purpose is to encourage the involvement of young people in music, creativity, the performing arts and Irish culture.

Areas of support for individuals up to and including 25 years of age include: specialist education training sessions and courses; international cultural programmes; participation in master classes and summer schools. To qualify, applicants must be living in Fermanagh, or be / have been in full time education in County Fermanagh, or at University /in Higher Education but officially resident in Fermanagh.

 

The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards were set up in 2002 in memory of the Enniskillen-born musician and composer

 

Recent recipients have used their funding for instruments, lessons and summer schools including the National Youth Choir NI Summer Residential. Luke Beirne from Enniskillen is currently touring with the successful band ‘Enola Gay’ and received a bursary from the Joan Trimble Awards. Another recent recipient is Jessica-Elise McArdle, a talented musician who has been learning piano from the age of 6. Music gives Jessica a source to be herself and help her self-confidence. She wants to be able to teach one day so that music can benefit the lives of others just as it is with her.

Liz McVey, granddaughter of the late Joan Trimble and Chairperson of the Bursary Awards commented “We are delighted to have supported so many talented young people in previous years who are so deserving of the experiences. We hope to reach even more young people with these bursary awards and very much wish that others will gain valuable skills as they progress in their fields. The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards are pleased to be able to encourage wider access to the arts in this way.”

There is no minimum grant, and bursaries up to a maximum of £1,000 per academic year are available to individuals.  In exceptional circumstances, a higher award may be considered. Closing date for applications is Wednesday 1st November 2023. For more information or to download an application form CLICK HERE / Tel: 028 66 320 210 / E: edel@fermanaghtrust.org