Ten years of Thomas Devlin Fund marked with special round of arts bursaries

More young people from across Northern Ireland will be able to pursue their passion for the arts as the Thomas Devlin Fund marks its tenth anniversary with plans to award more bursaries in 2016 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 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.

Fifteen year old Thomas 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.”

Andrew McCracken Chief Executive of the Community Foundation said: “We are proud to manage the Thomas Devlin Fund on behalf of Thomas’ parents Penny and Jim. In the ten years of the Fund’s existence it has supported young people to pursue some amazing opportunities including; attending courses in London and America, performing with the National Youth Theatre or even buying equipment which helps young film-makers and artists to progress their endeavours. Crucially the Fund has also raised awareness at community level of the utter senselessness of violence and its lifelong impact.

Andrew continued: “It is testament to Thomas’ family that they have spent ten years helping others achieve their dreams despite their own immense sadness at the loss of Thomas.  I would encourage any young person, or even tutor or teacher interested in finding out more about Thomas and the bursaries to visit our website www.communityfoundationni.org and to apply for a grant if they meet the criteria”.

The bursaries aim to fund specific opportunities and activities above and beyond the ordinary that will stimulate, encourage and inspire the young beneficiaries to succeed in their particular creative field.

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.