The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) is now inviting applications for the Alan James Creative Bursaries. This programme, now in its eleventh year, aims to support artists in the exploration of new creative ideas derived from traditional English folk music. The bursaries provide artists with the opportunity to engage in creative exploration without the expectation of a final product.

The bursary programme is named after Alan James, the former Chair of EFDSS, in honour of his wide-ranging musical interests and his commitment to fostering exciting artistic collaborations. Applications that explore English folk music in the context of cross-genre or cross-art form collaborations are particularly encouraged. Artists from all backgrounds are welcome to apply, as long as their proposals have English folk music as the central element.

In 2023, a total of four awards will be granted to deserving artists. The bursaries are made possible through generous individual donations, as well as grants from the PRS for Music Foundation Talent Development Partner scheme and Arts Council England. They are part of the comprehensive Artists’ Development Programme offered by EFDSS, providing professional development support to artists at all career levels, both in creative and business aspects.

Each bursary has a maximum value of £2,000, supporting artists in their creative research and development. Recipients will also have access to rehearsal space at Cecil Sharp House and the valuable resources of the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.

The closing date for applications is 30 May 2023. Candidates will be notified of the outcome by 6 July 2023, and the bursaries are expected to be completed by 29 February 2024.

See link below for further details.