Opportunity: Emma O’Kane Bursary

The Emma O’Kane Bursary is a new award for independent artists who want to think beyond the boundaries of their art form and practice and to explore dance or a physical language in their work.

The Emma O’Kane Bursary dares artists to ‘go big’ and fearlessly venture beyond the norms of what they do, and by embracing dance or a physical language in their work enjoy new confidence, capacity and understanding. It honours the exceptional ethos and artistic practice of artist Emma O’Kane who died in 2021.

Emma O’Kane was an exceptionally gifted artist who moved effortlessly across artforms and media as a performer, a choreographer and a participation project leader. She was passionate, professional and highly articulate about interdisciplinary performance, holding a first-class honours degree in Contemporary Dance Performance (MA) from the University of Limerick.

Emma brought joy to all those with whom she worked.  No matter how difficult or dark the material she could introduce light. A consummate team player, as evidenced by her core contributions to CoisCéim and ANU, she was also fiercely independent. Before her untimely death Emma had embarked on a new phase of discovery and development in her practice, concentrating on self-authored work.

The Emma O’Kane Bursary is open to artists of all types and talents. Over the course of the year, bursary recipients will receive a stipend of €600 for a total of six weeks totalling €3,600, research and materials budget of €500, a six-week residency at the Atrium at 42 Fairview Strand, Dublin, up to five bespoke mentorships sessions over the course of the year, and opportunities to attend professional morning dance classes.

The deadline to apply has been extended until 14 January 2025.  For any questions concerning the application please email emmaokanebursary@gmail.com. You can find out more about Emma and how to apply for this bursary by visiting emmaokanebursary.ie

Image Credit: Ros Kavanagh