Derry young artists to benefit from special round of Thomas Devlin Fund bursaries

More young people from Derry will be able to pursue their passion for the arts as the Thomas Devlin Fund marks its 10th anniversary with plans to award more bursaries this year than ever before. The Fund which was established in 2006 in memory of murdered Belfast teenager Thomas Devlin is this year opening all three categories of its arts bursaries.

Grants of up to £1,750 are being made available for young people from across the North aged 15-19 who would like to pursue a career or study in the creative and performing arts or music. Over the past ten years, the fund which was established by Thomas’ family in the year after his tragic death has helped 58 young people follow their dreams of working towards a career in the creative industries.

The Fund offers a bursary scheme that aims to provide young people with exciting and unique opportunities to develop their skills and talent further. Thomas (15) who had a love for art and music and played the tenor horn, was killed in 2005 in an unprovoked attack on his way home from buying sweets at a local shop. He died just 200 metres from the safety of his house. His family established the Thomas Devlin Fund with the Community Foundation not only to help other young people with a similar love of the arts, but also to promote awareness about the effects and impact of violence and to act as a catalyst for young people to realise its futility. Speaking as the Fund launches its 2016 bursaries, Thomas’ mother Penny Holloway said: “The Fund is into its tenth year and we have taken real pleasure is seeing how the bursaries have influenced the lives of previous recipients in a very positive way.”

Applicants will need to demonstrate: • Prospect for development of their potential; • Need for financial assistance; and • How the award will make a difference to their own life and to others in their community. Applications should be submitted to the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland by 1:00pm on 13th May 2016.