Bursaries to offer creative support to young people in Sunderland
A fresh round of bursaries is being launched to help young people in Sunderland pursue their artistic passions.
Culture Start, the city-wide programme supporting children and young people from low-income households, is opening applications for the second phase of its Ignite Bursary Programme on September 16.
The scheme first launched in January, awarding £21,600 across successful applications from 46 young people aged 12–18, and up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Grants of £150, £300 or £500 were used for everything from art materials and digital software to workshops, specialist training and cultural trips. Some recipients even hired music studios or funded visits to college open days.
Former Sunderland College student Ellie Brown was one of those to benefit. Ellie, who studied Media Production, said: “When I heard about the bursary from my teacher, I knew I had to jump at the chance so I could invest in my own videography equipment.
“I successfully applied for a bursary to purchase video equipment, instead of having to loan equipment from the college. This has given me much more freedom. It was well worth it as I got money to invest in myself and my career.”
Ellie is now working as an intern at The Cultural Spring, an Arts Council England-funded project increasing arts engagement across Sunderland and South Tyneside.
Lucy Rees Harris, producer at Culture Start, said: “It’s been very rewarding seeing the impact of the Ignite Bursary Programme on young people, empowering them to look seriously at developing artistic practices or even careers in the arts.”
The new round of bursaries will again prioritise first-time applicants, though previous applicants can also apply. Eligibility is open to young people in Sunderland aged 12–18 (up to 25 with SEND) who can demonstrate a strong creative passion - and include a reference from a teacher, youth worker of social worker.
Lucy added: “We really want to know about the applicant’s creative passions and how a bursary will help develop these passions.
“We envisage the bursaries will be used to buy materials, supplies or equipment; accessing a work experience or volunteering opportunity; supporting a pathway to a qualification (such as attending an open day); arranging a cultural trip or visit to a performance or exhibition; developing a portfolio, showreel or website, or hiring a specialist facility such as a music studio.
“Successful recipients may also want to use a bursary to engage a mentor to help develop networks and connections or to access ‘backstage’ discussions with artists and creative professionals.
“Or it might be something completely different!”
Any queries about the bursary criteria can be emailed to culturestart@sunderlandculture.org.uk. Applications open September 16 via Sunderland Culture’s website, with bursaries supported by the Gillian Dickinson Trust and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.