Platform 31 – support scheme for artists a new departure
Local authorities from around the country have joined forces with the Arts Council to offer support to mid-career artists affected by the current pandemic.
A new scheme, which opened on Monday across all 31 local authority areas will result in one person from each place receiving an €8,000 bursary to develop their practice, as well as opportunities to network and collaborate with their peers, and practical advice from experts on crucial issues such as developing new audiences.
Platform 31 is open to mid-career artists from any genre or who are working across a range of disciplines, explains Galway County Council Arts Officer, Sharon O’Grady, who has played a key role in developing the scheme.
For the times that are in it, this scheme is designed to help participants explore new ideas and plans, rather than requiring them to create a finished body of work.
It opened on Monday and applications will be accepted until November 30, with independent assessments of the submissions. The participants will be announced early in January, according to Sharon. Once that happens, structures will be put in place to allow them to share their work and experiences during the project. This will include an aspect of critical thinking, aimed at encouraging a national conversation about creating work in local contexts.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.
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