Salford rising stars to get £5,000 opportunity
Salford rising stars to get £5,000 opportunity
Young up-and-coming actors and dancers from Salford, with the help of The Lowry, will get the opportunity to win the Eric Simm Award of £5,000.
The Lowry organises the awards for the Salford Arts and Sports Trust which were set up in 1978 in memory of Eric Simm, ex Salford Grammar School Headmaster, who gained a reputation for encouraging young people in the dramatic and visual arts. Two of his ex-pupils, artist Harold Riley (Chairman of the Trust) and actor Albert Finney (President of the Trust) firmly believe Eric was instrumental in their careers.
The Eric Simm award aims to give something back to the community and to help advance the education of young people in the arts, literature, media and sports within Salford and its neighbourhood.
Last year nineteen-year-old Peter Richardson won the award with his unique ‘cartoon style’ artwork.
Peter explained: “I was really thrilled to win the award.The prize money helped me develop my skills. It enabled me to become involved with digital photography as well as contributing towards my animation degree at Edge Hill University”.
Several ‘Old Boys’ from the grammar school, including Harold Riley and Albert Finney, got together and decided that they wanted to give something back to people in Salford. Together, they set up the Trust which accumulated money from donations, covenants and bequests from old boys. Every year £5,000 is made available to The Lowry Trust to be awarded to Salford residents with creative ambition.
To qualify for the award, entrants must have been born and educated in the City of Salford or its neighbouring boroughs of Manchester, Bolton, Bury or Trafford and be between the ages of 16 and 25 in September 2008.
Hopefuls should write to the address below, providing details about themselves and how winning the award would help their careers. A CV or details of prior experience, together with a full name, address, phone number and email address should be enclosed.
The deadline for applications is Friday 22 August 2008 and auditions will be held for shortlisted entrants in early September 2008. Entries should go to Eric Simm Award, The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ.
Posted on Monday, 12 May 2008 under Press Community & Education Press