BBC launches Fellowship to find new performing arts talent

The BBC is supporting the arts to “identify the next generation of performing arts talent” through a reworked cross-art-form Performing Arts Fellowship scheme, funded through revenues from the voting lines of entertainment programmes such as Fame Academy and The Voice. For the past three years the scheme has focused on a different performing arts genre each year, but is now being opened up. Not-for-profit arts organisations will be able to apply for a £10,000 grant to offer an “amazing opportunity” to a performing artist in the early stages of their career. The Fellowship should increase the individual’s skills through tailored training and development opportunities, aiming “to raise their aspirations, and to encourage collaboration”.

Applications will be accepted from 1 May 2014 for Fellowships taking place in the calendar year 2015. Grants can be used to cover the cost for the organisation, but must ensure the Fellow is not “out of pocket”. Organisations will be required to run a “fair and transparent” selection process, and aren’t permitted to offer the Fellowship to anyone who has undertaken paid work with them in any capacity.