A new annual craft bursary worth £15,000 per year has been announced by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the newly formed Rosemary James Trust, thanks to the generosity of a local pioneer and patron of the arts.

Originally from Belfast, Rosemary James had a lifelong commitment to the arts and following her death in 2010, bequeathed over £500,000 to help artists and craft makers pursue their careers.
The fund, which is now open for applications to the Rosemary James Trust, will award one bursary of £15,000 per year. This will assist craft makers to investigate, develop and exhibit a body of work which would otherwise be unattainable. The Rosemary James Trust will manage the fund and Arts Council of Northern Ireland will oversee the application process.

Noirin McKinney, Head of Arts Development, commented: “This generous donation from Rosy James demonstrates the power of philanthropic giving in creating impact and leaving a lasting legacy.  Thanks to Rosy’s passion for crafts, particularly crafts in Northern Ireland, she has left an incredible legacy where her great enthusiasm for the arts will live on in her memory through new works produced by Northern Ireland artists.”

The Rosemary James Bursary is open to all craft makers steeped in practice using material singly or in combination such as fired clay or glass; fine or base metals; textiles using any kinds of applications; wood; plastics; paper or other materials where the emphasis is based upon the transformation of materials through the use of sustained practice towards a series of critical outcomes.

The full media release is available at the external link below.

http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/news/craft-bursary-for-ni-artists