The Tom McGrath Trust has begun its search for the next creative ‘maverick’ and is calling on professional playwrights and artists to submit their applications for this year’s ‘Maverick Award’, accompanied by a bursary of £2,000.
The award will be made in partnership with the Saltire Society and is part of a wider £50,000 Inspiring Scotland programme of funding to support young and emerging creative talent in Scotland, recently unveiled to celebrate the Saltire Society’s 80th anniversary year.
Inspired by the life and legacy of poet, playwright and creative maverick Tom McGrath, who passed away in 2009, the Maverick Award will be offered to the best application for a new project which has writing at its heart, departs from the routine and starts to explore new and imaginative possibilities.
Inspired by Tom’s life, legacy and boundless generosity of spirit, as well as his passion for supporting Scottish playwrights, this year’s award will provide the winner with a £2,000 bursary to help turn their nominated project into reality and also includes a £1,000 runner-up prize.
Applicants must be a playwright or artist with a professional track record, born and raised in Scotland (i.e. educated within the Scottish Education system) or who have lived or worked in Scotland for at least four years. The closing date for applications is Monday 3rd October and the winner will be announced at a special event in Edinburgh on Wednesday 26th October.
Ella Wildridge, Tom’s partner, said: “This bursary is offered in recognition of Tom’s maverick spirit. Celebrating the new, the innovative and the unconventional is natural territory for the Saltire Society and the Tom McGrath Trust who are excited to be collaborating on this opportunity.”
Jim Tough, Executive Director of the Saltire Society, said: “This award offers a brilliant opportunity for professional playwrights and artists with a unique idea that really breaks the mould to be able to see that idea turned into a reality.
“It is great to be working with the Tom McGrath Trust and to be able to celebrate his legacy by recognising and supporting a creative maverick. Like the Tom McGrath Trust, the Saltire Society is passionate about nurturing talent and promoting creativity and innovation in arts and culture, which is why I am so genuinely delighted that we are able to offer this exciting and unique opportunity.”
More information on the application process can be found at www.saltiresociety.org.uk
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