Our Past, Your Future
Applications for the Our Past, Your Future fund are now open until 26 May 2025 to those aged 16 to 25 and living within Newark and Sherwood who are looking to pursue a career in the arts, whether performing, writing, directing or technical.
What is the Our Past, Your Future Fund?
The Our Past, Your Future Fund is a legacy scheme set up in celebration of our 2020 centenary as a thank you to the local community. If you live within Newark and Sherwood, are aged between 16-25 and are looking to pursue a career in the arts, whether performing, writing, directing or technical, this initiative can offer funding to help you achieve your goals.
Our wonderful partners in the project, Tallents Solicitors, said: “The Palace Theatre has been an important part of the Newark community we all live in for over 100 years, with an exceptional pedigree in both welcoming, encouraging and inspiring creative talent in our market town. Tallents Solicitors is very proud to have been a Principal Sponsor of the Palace Theatre Newark for many years, and to be their Centenary Sponsor as they continue to bring entertainment to our community.
“With our continuing support, we are delighted to be able to help the Palace Theatre Newark now reach out to the local community and encourage applications from anyone in need of a grant to enable them to become involved in the wonderful world of the theatre and performing arts.
“We look forward to seeing how this innovative and supportive arts programme will benefit the creative and talented people in our community as they embark on a fulfilling career in the performing arts.”
What is the application process?
Applications are not an audition process – we are not seeking to judge an applicant’s ability or skills in their chosen field. Awards will only be made to those who have been awarded a place on a recognised course and / or with a recognised institution, and we are happy that their acceptance onto these courses is sufficient to judge their ability. This process is designed to assess their passion for their field, the difference an award will make to their ability to proceed with the course and what they might offer the town in return.
From applications, a short list of up to six individuals will be drawn up. These individuals will be invited to an interview of approximately one hour to discuss their application further. From these interviews, awards will be made.
What award is available?
Following the application process, one applicant each year will be awarded £1,500 to put towards course fees and / or living expenses.
A second, discretionary award of
Following the application process, one applicant each year will be awarded £1,500 to put towards course fees and / or living expenses.
A second, discretionary award of £250-£500 may be granted to a second applicant if the panel feels it appropriate.
The full award will be paid out as follows:
£750 four weeks prior to planned course start date
£375 four weeks after course start date
£375 eight weeks after course start date
(In the event that the course is shorter than eight weeks, the second and third payments may be combined).
The discretionary award will be paid out four weeks after course start date.
£250-£500 may be granted to a second applicant if the panel feels it appropriate.
The full award will be paid out as follows:
£750 four weeks prior to planned course start date
£375 four weeks after course start date
£375 eight weeks after course start date
(In the event that the course is shorter than eight weeks, the second and third payments may be combined).
The discretionary award will be paid out four weeks after course start date.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be aged 16-25 on 1 January of the year they would begin their course.
Applicants must live in Newark and Sherwood.
Award recipients must be able and willing to offer something to other young people in Newark after the completion of their course. This is not an obligation of discretionary award recipients, but it would be encouraged.
How to apply?
Applicants can find an application form here: Our Past Your Future Fund Application Form [765kb]
Completed forms should be emailed to palace@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk with the title Our Past Your Future Fund Application in the subject line. Application forms must be returned by 26 May 2026.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the fund, please email Denise, our Learning and Participation Manager who will be able to answer them for you and discuss any aspects of the fund. You can email Denise at denise@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.