Comhaltas have 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.
Comhaltas, established in 1951, is a large organisation involved in the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish arts. Its aim is to 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.
The first 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. Its value is €2000 (€1000 when scholarship is awarded and €1000 upon completion ). The timeframe for completion and or implementation of the project is July 1 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.
The second 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. Its value is €2000 (€1000 when scholarship is awarded and €1000 upon completion ). The timeframe for completion and or implementation of the project is July 20 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.
The third Ashling Scholarship will be research based. Research should be based on an area in the Irish traditional arts and also considering music education. Its value is €2000 (€1000 when scholarship is awarded and €1000 upon completion ). The timeframe for completion and or implementation of the project is July 20 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 [email protected] before 5pm on July 14 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, email [email protected]
