Sunderland launches a bursary programme to empower young artists, helping them pursue their creative passions and overcome financial barriers
Sunderland: Young artists in Sunderland are getting a fantastic chance to chase their creative dreams with the Ignite Bursary Programme. This initiative is part of the Ignite Young Creatives Programme by Culture Start, aimed at helping local youth achieve their artistic goals.
Culture Start kicked off last year, focusing on easing the effects of poverty by giving kids and teens from low-income families better access to creative activities. It’s all about making sure everyone gets a fair shot at exploring their talents.
Led by Sunderland Culture, this program is a collaboration of various organizations in the city. The Ignite Young Creatives Programme specifically tackles the hurdles that young people from tough backgrounds face when trying to break into the arts and culture scene.
Lucy Rees Harris, the assistant producer at Culture Start, shared that the programme understands the tough spot young people in financial hardship find themselves in when looking for work in the arts. She emphasized that the Ignite Bursary Programme is a structured way to help remove these obstacles.
The bursaries can offer up to £500 and are available for young people aged 12-18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities. This support opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Lucy also mentioned that these bursaries are a great way for young folks to get exposure to high-quality arts experiences and take meaningful steps toward their future careers. The first bursaries will be awarded in March, so if you’re interested, check out the Culture Start website for more info and to apply!
