Bursary Student Lily provides us with an update and insight in applying to the Isle of Man Arts Council
How did you find out about the Student Bursaries from IOM Arts Council?
Through my dance teacher Gena at Gena’s Dance Academy and the teachers in the Arts department at QE2 encouraged me to apply.
How easy was it to apply and did you find the process straightforward? (Please exband)
It was incredibly easy to apply. Everything was available online and laid out in sections. Because I was able to save the progress of my application from my account each time I added information, meant that I didn’t have to complete and submit it all in one go. It was very user friendly, and I actually really enjoyed working on my application to make it the best it could be.
Did you find the support helpful?
Yes, the support was incredibly important to assist in navigating certain questions throughout the process. Upon request, a meeting prior to application was helpful and informative with regards to specific questions that I initially had before applying. Although I have been studying for nearly a year, I feel that there is still an open line of communication to help with any queries that come up along the way.
How has this bursary helpful to you?
The financial support has been invaluable. I most certainly couldn’t have managed without it living in London especially with the extra cost of syllabus books, dance wear and dance shoes (which never seem to last very long!)
What are you plans for the next year?
I am looking forward to commencing my second year at RAD where I am due to start teaching placement. For me, this is the most exciting part of the course because I get to share my love of dance with others and can’t wait for all of the experience and knowledge I will gain from it.
What unexpected things have found on the course?
Initially, the transition to the UK and dancing everyday was incredibly tough mentally and physically however, after a period of adjustment I know it was the right decision as I feel fully committed and am enjoying my new life in London doing something that I have always dreamed of.
It’s always a surprise to see some famous faces around RAD and so far, I have been lucky enough to have met Darcey Bussell, Matthew Ball and Eddie Redmayne. Monica Mason also came to watch our Semester 1 sharing of work and it’s all very surreal!
The Isle of Man Arts Council has announced the opening of applications for student bursaries for 2023/24 supporting students studying the Arts and who are moving into further, higher and post graduate education.
This year, for the first time, up to six annual bursaries are available, each worth £10,000 over the duration of a course. They exist to help to cover the costs of travel, course fees, accommodation or equipment related to higher or further education in the Arts on or off island. The bursaries are awarded to deserving applicants as follows:
- The Jonathan Gollow Bursaries for Music and Performing Arts in memory of the late music promoter Jonathan 'Jonno' Gollow who was a valued member of the Isle of Man Arts Council until 2012 and who sadly passed away suddenly in 2017;
- The Norman Sayle Bursaries for Visual Art and Literature in memory of the most celebrated Manx artist of recent times, Norman Sayle RI TH (1926-2007) who was also a dedicated teacher and a former Isle of Man Arts Council member;
- The Isle of Man Arts Council Bursaries are awarded to students whose extenuating personal circumstances may be preventing further studies within the Arts.
Applications for the awards can be made via the Isle of Man Arts Council website: www.iomarts.com and will close on Friday 23rd June 2023, with the recipients being informed after the Isle of Man Arts Council meeting on Friday 7th July.
