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

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 creativity, the performing arts and Irish culture.

 

Enniskillen-born musician and composer Joan Trimble

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.

Recent award recipients include siblings Blaithin Ni Mhaonaile, Oisin O Maonaile and Ceara Ni Mhaonaile from Roslea who all play traditional Irish music. Blaithin has been playing the traditional guitar for 6 years and became an All-Ireland winner in 2019 , and was placed second in 2022. Oisin has been playing the banjo for seven years and have achieved grade 8 in this instrument. Ceara has been playing the concertina for 5 years.

Their grant awards will be used to attend the Meitheal Summer School 2023. The Meitheal course focuses on experienced young musicians develop their skills in their chosen instrument and teaches the skills in composing and performing new tunes. The course offers 5 days/nights of total immersion in Irish traditional music. The students live and breathe music for a week under expert guidance. students share their time between specialised workshops for specific instrument, mixed instruments, concert bands and group sessions.

Liz McVey, granddaughter of the late Joan Trimble 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 Friday 31st March 2023. For more information or to download an application form CLICK HERE / Tel: 028 66 320 210 / E: gemma@fermanaghtrust.org