DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY 5PM - Scoláireachtaí Ashling Murphy

Comhaltas is a large organisation involved in the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish arts, which was established in 1951. Comhaltas has 430 branches in 21 countries, 32 County Boards in Ireland, 4 Regional Boards in Britain, 6 Regional Boards in the United States of America and Canada, 4 Provincial Councils in Ireland, 1 in Britain and 1 in North America.

Comhaltas educational programmes educate develop and inspire students to achieve their full musical potential and provide them with the skills for enjoyment of music, song, dance and language. Students explore the realms of expression and imagination in performance and creativity. The mission of Comhaltas continues to enhance music education and to provide a pathway for further lifelong learning while preserving and promoting cultural identity.

With this in mind, Comhaltas has established three scholarships to recognise and remember the talent and legacy of the late Ashling Murphy. Ashling was a primary school teacher, Comhaltas music teacher and performer. With her work in education and performance we find it fitting to create scholarships in her memory as outlined below.

1. The 1st Ashling Scholarship will primarily focus on the community. The scholarship is to support individual artists working to develop participation and practice in traditional arts, including collaborative, community and socially engaged arts practices. Development of current Comhaltas community structures should be explored and working on tangible and beneficial outcomes for the traditional arts in the community. The delivery of this scholarship will be developed by practical/recorded performances in the community. Value - €2000, €1000 when scholarship is awarded and €1000 upon completion . The timeframe for completion and or implementation of the project is July 1st 2024 with launch of project at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. The proposal must have a timeline for completion within the year and budget to show feasibility.

2. The 2nd Ashling Scholarship will focus on young people, children, and their music education. This scholarship supports individual artists working with, and producing work for, children and young people across the Irish traditional arts. The purpose of this scholarship is to support artists to develop their art practice and to encourage young people and children be more confident in their own ability. Delivery of this project can be through development of new programmes of music education for children and young people. Value - €2000, €1000 when scholarship is awarded and €1000 upon completion. The timeframe for completion and or implementation of the project is July 20th 2024 with Launch of project at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. The proposal must have a timeline for completion within the year and budget to show feasibility.

3. The 3rd Ashling Scholarship will be research based. Research should be based on an area in the Irish traditional arts and also considering music education. Value - €2000, €1000 when scholarship is awarded and €1000 upon completion. The timeframe for completion and or implementation of the project is July 20th 2024 with Launch of project at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. The proposal must have a timeline for completion within the year and budget to show feasibility.

Submissions and details of the proposed project should to be sent to majella@comhaltas.ie before 5pm on 14th July 2023. Submissions should include name, contact information, short bio of the applicant and a brief outline of the project and which scholarship you are applying for. A selection committee will then assess all submissions. Submissions can be made in both English and Irish. Scholarships will be given at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar. For further information please email majella@comhaltas.ie