DEVON Artist Network this week announced a new scheme to encourage new and emerging artists to take part in its annual Devon Open Studios event in 2011.

The 'Emerging Artist Bursary', supported by one of the network's key sponsors, Chagford-based Helpful Holidays, aims to nurture and encourage new talent to take the next steps in their career by helping to fund their participation in this prestigious annual open studios event.

A spokesman for Devon Artist Network said: 'We are extremely grateful to Helpful Holidays, who are funding this new initiative despite the difficult climate for arts funding.

'The bursaries are aimed at those taking their first steps into professional arts practice, returning to creative practice after a career break or change, or taking their art in a new direction.

'Applicants must be based in Devon — any art form will be considered.'

Applications should include a CV and letter of up to 500 words outlining:

l What you hope to achieve during Devon Open Studios 2011

l Why the bursary will help/allow you to achieve this

l Your professional and artistic objectives for the next three years.

In addition to the above information, applicants will need to submit three images to support their application — images to be emailed or link provided to a relevant website.

Applications must reach the co-ordinator of Devon Open Studios, Linda Hajdukiewicz, by March 1. Successful bursary recipients will be informed by March 18. Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover half of their entry fees for the event — £75.

For more information, contact Linda Hajdukiewicz on 01271 828 180 or email: [email protected]">[email protected] For information on Devon Open Studios and how to register, visit http://www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk/DOSRegistration">www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk/DOSRegistration