The Arts Council is offering funding to young ensembles who work collaboratively to create art.

The primary purpose of the Young Ensembles Scheme is to support such groups in developing their artistic practice in an out-schools context. It prioritises initiatives that demonstrate clear artistic vision in the specific artform(s) represented, coupled with a process that values young people's participation, creativity and critical engagement with the arts.

In the context of this award, 'young ensemble' refers to a group of young people who work collaboratively, usually over an extended period, to create art. This fund focuses on groups whose general membership is older than 12 and younger than 23, and on the resource organisations that support them.

Applications may be made within a broad range of artforms to develop specific strands of an existing ensemble's work, or to explore new initiatives. In the case of a new ensemble being proposed through this scheme, initiatives must build on existing groundwork and should demonstrate long-term aims. Proposed projects or initiatives must take place wholly or substantially in 2009.

The deadline for applications is 20 March 2009 and further information is available from Mathilde Veldt, Assistant, Young People Children & Education, tel. 01-618 02 50 or email mathilde.veldt@artscouncil.ie

Posted: 26 February 2009