Local artists and performers can now apply for up to £1,000 in funding through a bursary created from the legacy of one of Jersey’s best-loved dance teachers.
Applications have opened for the Jersey Eisteddfod Valerie Guy Bursary, which supports training, tuition, travel or equipment costs for those involved in the arts.
The bursary is named in memory of the late Valerie Todd – known to many as Miss Guy – who died in 2022 at the age of 101. It is funded through her bequests to the Jersey Eisteddfod.
Awards of between £100 and £1,000 are available to anyone who has competed in one of the qualifying Eisteddfod festivals within the same year.
Eligible festivals include the 2025 Dance, English Speech and Drama, and Music sections, and the 2026 Jèrriais, French, Modern Languages, and Creative Arts sections. There are no age restrictions.
Jersey Eisteddfod chair Pat Sabey said: “The inaugural bursary, offered in 2024, was an enormous success, attracting applicants from many different disciplines and of all ages, enabling them to pursue their creative dreams.
“It was delightful to see the successful applicants acting as Jersey Eisteddfod Ambassadors at our 100th Anniversary Vin d’Honneur held at Government House in the summer.
“Our objective in making this bursary available is in keeping with our Constitution, to support and promote the artistic and creative talent that is in abundance in our island.
“We are also determined to honour Valerie Guy’s lifetime devotion and commitment to the arts in Jersey. I think she would be proud of what we are doing with her generous bequest to the charity.”
Born in 1921, Miss Guy began dancing as a pupil at the Jersey College for Girls, taking lessons with Josie Lillicrap, who, together with her sisters Nora and Ruth, ran the Jersey School of Dancing at 52 David Place.
By coincidence, it was only yards from the premises she would later purchase for the dance school that she was to run herself for some 74 years.
Only in 2015, when she had reached the age of almost 94, did she pass on responsibility for the Jersey Academy of Dancing to Laura Reynolds, who had worked as a teacher alongside her for 20 years.
Recipients will also be invited to act as Jersey Eisteddfod ambassadors during the year of their award, sharing their experiences and encouraging others to take part in the festival.
Applications close on 30 April 2026. Full details and eligibility criteria are available online.