Mayo artist and musician Breda Mayock has been announced as one of the 31 recipients of the inaugural PLATFORM 31 bursary, the national development scheme for artists to develop their practice and test new ideas of collaboration, research, audience development, place based arts and sharing their work.
Breda Mayock said: "I feel so fortunate to be one of the recipients of the Platform 31 bursary and I'm looking forward to being in touch with the other artists. It's exciting to think of the possibilities and the unexpected outcomes that lie ahead, it gives me a positive outlook for 2021."
Developed by the Association of Local Authority Arts Officers (ALAAO ), in collaboration with the Arts Council, PLATFORM 31 offers financial and developmental support for the 31 mid-career artists awarded.
Speaking about the scheme, Ann Marie McGing, Mayo Arts Officer said: "Mayo County Council is delighted to support Breda Mayock with a bursary to develop her practice through research, collaboration, mentoring and peer networking opportunities.
"Breda’s work on ‘Crown’, a project which explored the subject of hair with Traveller women and girls in Mayo, and supported by Creative Ireland, led to conversations about the participants experiences in education and this bursary will enable her to further that conversation."
Peter Duggan, Interim Chief Executive of Mayo County Council added: "Mayo boasts a strong reputation for artistic excellence and creativity. Pivotal to the vibrant arts sector that exists here are the many artists who live and work in Mayo. The quality of the applications received in response to the open call for Platform 31 is indeed evidence to the strength of the artistic community in the county."
Participating artists will receive an €8,000 bursary to invest in themselves and their practice, combined with participation in an advisory and developmental framework and a peer network.
