Culture
27 May 21

Dermot Kennedy and BIMM Dublin announce scholarship to support rising Irish talent

The Dermot Kennedy Foundation Diploma in Professional Musicianship Scholarship is for musicians of all ages who want to further their abilities

BIMM Dublin have announced a brand new scholarship in partnership with Dermot Kennedy, set to support rising Irish talent.

The new scholarship aims to help emerging musicians who are trying to kick-start their music careers. The scholarship recipient will have their course fees paid fully, and will be chosen by Kennedy himself.

“I’m so, so excited to have this scholarship awarded in my name, in the same town where I fell in love with music, played my first show and found my way through a life in music. I’m particularly excited about choosing the recipient and hopefully helping them on their own musical journey and in creating their own story,” the 'Giants' singer said in an Instagram post yesterday.

Those in receipt of the one-year scholarship receive guidance from BIMM lecturers in their chosen field of songwriting, drums, vocals or guitar. The prize also provides those chosen with performance opportunities, masterclasses and individual tutorials.

BIMM has produced many talented Irish artists in recent years such as Fontaine’s D.C., Jafaris, The Murder Capital, Erica Cody and Craig Fitzgerald from The Academic.

As the music industry begins to open up again and Irish artists continue to struggle to support themselves, the scholarship marks an important step towards revitalising the scene.

“It’s fantastic to see an artist like Dermot who not only speaks up for other artists and musicians but is also doing something in a practical sense to help. We are delighted to collaborate with him as part of the college’s commitment to helping Ireland's future artists achieve their ambitions,” said Alan Cullivan, principal of BIMM.

Dermot Kennedy has a host of UK and US tour dates coming up in 2021, but his next Irish date won’t be until June 2022.

It was announced this morning that the musician - whose debut album Without Fear has held onto the Irish No. 1 Album spot for a record number of weeks - will replace Royal Blood as headliner of Newcastle's This Is Tomorrow festival alongside Sam Fender and Gerry Cinnamon. Fellow Irish acts Inhaler and Fontaines D.C. will also join Kennedy on the line-up this September.