Sunday for Sammy launches new funding round
Young performers across the North East are being invited to apply for grants
Applications are about to open for a new round of grants supporting emerging performers across the North East.
The Sunday for Sammy Trust will begin accepting applications from March 30, offering financial support to young artists and help cover expenses such as training, specialist equipment and travel costs.
Open to those aged 16 and over who are from or living in the region, the scheme aims to remove barriers and nurture the next generation of creative talent.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an audition and informal interview with trustees on May 17 at Gateshead College, with the application window closing on April 24.
Lindisfarne drummer Ray Laidlaw, who is the longtime producer of the Sunday for Sammy fundraising concerts, said: “We are passionate about nurturing emerging talent from the North East and helping young performers overcome financial barriers.
“We encourage anyone with ambition and dedication to apply. This really could be the first step of an amazing career for someone from our region.”
Previous recipients have highlighted the impact the funding can have at pivotal moments in their careers. Ben Donaghy, from Durham, used his grant to take a show to the Edinburgh Fringe.
He said: “Sunday for Sammy gave me an incredibly generous grant which allowed me to focus on doing the show to its full extent, instead of worrying about how much money I was going to lose.
“Because of that support, I was able to tell my story of growing up queer in the North East at the largest arts festival in the world.”
Ben has since gone on to perform internationally in The Last Ship, alongside performers including Sting, Joe Caffrey and Kathryn Tickell. He said: “I feel very privileged for the way Sunday For Sammy has allowed me to feel included in the vibrant arts scene in the North East.”
Musician Katie Grace, from Tynemouth, also credits the Trust with helping to advance her career. She said: “The grant funded my band being able to travel up from London to play the main stage of Mouth of the Tyne Festival and to record an EP.
“Being supported by Sunday for Sammy means being part of the wonderful community it’s built, and that’s so important as a young creative.”
Inspired by the legacy of actor Sammy Johnson, the Trust has become an enduring source of support for up-and-coming performers across the region.
Funding is raised primarily through its flagship concerts at the Utilita Arena Newcastle, which bring together established names and rising stars with North East roots.
February saw the return of the biennial events which included performances from Matty Healy, Sting, Lewis Capaldi, Rosie Ramsey, Laura Norton, Nev Clay, the cast of Gerry and Sewell, Brenda Blethyn Steph McGovern, Dave Johns, Metroland Comedy, Your Aunty Fanny and a large group of students from the Sage Academy in Byker.
Applications for grants can be submitted via the Trust’s website from 30 March.