Skip to main content

Our Past, Your Future

Applications are now open until Friday 28 June for the Our Past, Your Future Fund, 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.”

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 6 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.

The Award

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 4 weeks prior to planned course start date

£375 4 weeks after course start date

£375 8 weeks after course start date

(in the event that the course is shorter than 8 weeks, the second and third payments may be combined)

The discretionary award will be paid out 4 weeks after course start date.

Applicants

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.

Apply Now

Please find the application form here: Our Past Your Future Fund Application Form [765kb]

Completed forms should be returned to palace@nsdc.info, quoting Our Past Your Future Fund Application in the subject line, by Friday 28 June 2024. Please contact denise.greany@nsdc.info if you would like to discuss any aspect of the award before you apply.