2011 Bursary For Artists To Get Creative In The ‘Big House’

Artists from the Ards have the opportunity to get creative in ‘The Big House’ – the affectionate name for the Tyrone Guthrie Centre – with a bursary now on offer from Ards Arts Committee. Local arts practitioners are being invited to apply for the Lord Dunleath Memorial Bursary which gives a two week residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, a tranquil house set amid the lakes and drumlins of County Monaghan. It has been a haven of inspiration for artists of all types since its owner, Sir Tyrone Guthrie, bequeathed his home and estate to the state with the proviso that it be used for the benefit of artists. The aim of the residency is to assist and encourage both established and emerging artists to work intensively on a specific project alongside others in a very unique environment. Last year’s recipient was Betty Brown who spent her time creating a self portrait which recently formed part of an exhibition by Ards Arts Collective in Ards Arts Centre. She said, “It was an amazing opportunity to take time out from everyday pressures and be able to concentrate fully on your artistic practice. Being in such a creative environment and mixing with other artists really adds to the whole experience and I would highly recommend it.” The successful artist will be selected based on their previous achievements and the project they intend to undertake. Application forms are now available from Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, Tel: 029 9181 0803 and can be downloaded from www.ards-council.gov.uk/services/arts-funding. The closing date is Thursday 28^th April 2011.]]>