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.

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.

Previous recipients include classical singer Andrew Irwin who able to pursue professional singing lessons in London. Double bass player Harry Rees and cornet player Rachael Fyffe used their grant to play with the Education Authority Western Senior Youth Orchestra in Belgium. Local young people have also been supported to attend summer schools including the Teenage State International Summer School in Dublin and Meitheal Traditional Music Summer School in Limerick.

Joanna McVey, daughter of the late Joan Trimble commented: “It is wonderful to see that as we emerge from the pandemic there are so many opportunities available. 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 Tuesday, March 1 2022. For more information or to download an application form visit www.fermanaghtrust.org / Tel: 028 66 320 210 / E: gemma@fermanaghtrust.org