Relaunched fund aims to open world of art to locals

Tuesday 01 March 2022

Jersey residents from all walks of life have been encouraged to apply for funding to take life-changing cultural experiences off-island.

Those who might ordinarily find cost a barrier to culturally enriching travel are invited to make an application to the newly relaunched Rivington Fund.

The Rivington Travelling Scholarship was created in 2002 when William Charles Richmond-Pickering bequeathed a portion of his estate to the States of Jersey.

It was Mr Richmond-Pickering’s vision to enable interested Jersey residents to travel abroad to enhance their appreciation of culture, art, and history.

Today it has been announced that the scholarship is to be relaunched as the Rivington Fund.

“The problem has been that the trust was never really actively promoted,” a spokesperson said, “so not as many people have benefitted as they could have in recent years.

"We are focused on getting the message to Jersey residents that the money is there, and that people can apply immediately to use it to fund these trips.”

“The Rivington Fund is not just for people who are looking to further their career in the art,” they added, “It is for anyone who would like to have a memorable cultural experience, where cost might ordinarily be a barrier.”

Successful grant applicants have in the past travelled as far afield as Japan and New Zealand.

From individuals wanting to learn about a specific area of the arts to families wanting to see a show on the West End, the Rivington Fund promises to “equally consider” all applications for funding.

Pictured: Previously applicants have travelled as afar as New Zealand to explore the works of Frances Hodgkins and Dame Eileen Mayo, and Tokyo to visit their Folk Craft Museum.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Assistant Minister with responsibility for Arts, Culture and Heritage for Government of Jersey and Trustee of The Rivington Fund was “very proud” to announce the relaunch of the fund.

“The Rivington Fund has the potential to help benefit so many people in Jersey,” said Deputy Morel. “Cultural experiences are not only valuable but have the potential to inspire and even change the course of lives.

“Mr Richmond-Pickering clearly believed in the value of access to art and history further afield, and that people's financial circumstances should not be a barrier to that. It’s important that people in Jersey are aware of the availability of this fantastic fund and who can benefit."

The Assistant Minister commented that the Rivington Fund can play a part in the greater efforts to supports the arts in Jersey.

Pictured: Deputy Kirsten Morel, Trustee of The Rivington Fund, believes that cultural experiences can "inspire and change the lives" of islanders.

“There is a lot of momentum in the local arts community,” said Deputy Morel, “and I am very proud that we can provide this amazing opportunity to keep it going.”

“Not only will people be able to experience arts and culture from other places across the world, but there is the potential for them to bring back what they have learned to Jersey and continue to enrich our culture.”

Submissions for the Rivington Fund will be considered on a quarterly basis and the deadline for the first round of grants is 1 May 2022.

Click HERE for more information.