The Journal of Music, with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, is pleased to announce (15 January 2018) an exciting new mentoring scheme to encourage the next generation of music writers in Northern Ireland. The deadline for applications is 12 February.

Over six months, the editorial team of the JM will work with five new writers, developing their writing about music and working towards publication. 

This is the third such scheme that the JM has launched, following schemes in Galway City and County Clare launched last year and supported by the arts offices of Galway City Council and Clare County Council. To date, ten reviews have been published under these schemes, expanding JM’s coverage in these areas and broadening its pool of writers.

The purpose of the Northern Ireland scheme is to build long-lasting relationships with writers and expand JM’s coverage of music in the North. Commenting on the scheme, Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:

This is a fantastic opportunity for emerging music writers to work with a leading music publication to gain practical experience within the industry. The Arts Council through its National Lottery funds is pleased to support this valuable opportunity which will help to secure quality music writing for Northern Ireland in the years ahead.

Toner Quinn, Editor of JM, added:

Working on the Music Writer Mentoring Schemes has been an excellent way for our team to find new writers, expand our coverage, and at the same time discover new music, scenes and ideas. We’re excited to hear from writers based in Northern Ireland and discover not only new writing talent but also provide our readers with a fresh insight into the exciting and diverse music that’s coming out of the North.

To apply for the Northern Ireland Music Writer Mentoring scheme, please email submissions [at] journalofmusic.com for a PDF with full details. The deadline for applications is 12 February 2018.

For more on JM’s Galway City and County Clare mentoring schemes, visit https://goo.gl/ebt7pQ.