Helen Denise Jones OAM Arts Bursary
The Helen Denise Jones OAM Memorial Arts Bursary fund has been established to recognise the lifetime's work and contribution made by Helen to the arts and culture of Burnie. Over several decades, Helen inspired many people through her roles as a performer, teacher and confidante. Helen was patron of Burnie Arts Council Inc (now stARTs North-West) from 2012 to 2017. Our group decided to honour her with an annual bursary award for a young North-West/West Coaster demonstrating aspiration and dedication to pursuing their arts studies.
As a reflection of the increased cost of living, the bursary has now doubled, with the recipient receiving a one off payment of $2000.
The 2026 bursary recipient has been announced - Ella Lynd-Williams. Ella is a trumpet player from Devonport who will be heading to the Conservatorium of Music in Hobart to commence her tertiary study in 2026.
Helen died peacefully at home on March 5th, 2017. Although mainly housebound for the last months of her life, she was able to meet the inaugural recipient of the bursary, Blake Peiper. Helen maintained a keen interest in the selection process for the 2017 bursary, which was ultimately awarded to Nicholas Von Bibra.
The next bursary application round will open towards the end of 2026.
Guidelines and Selection Criteria
In liaison with Helen, Burnie Arts Council Inc established the guidelines and selection criteria for the bursary as outlined below:
A promising arts student of any artform (I.e. visual, literary, musical or performing genres)
Aged 17 - 21 years (as at 31 Dec 2024).
Resides on the North-West Coast or West Coast of Tasmania
Evidence of performance or public display of talent as appropriate to their chosen discipline
Appropriate application stating suitable reasons for being chosen to receive bursary.
Consideration of financial need.
Apply via the e-form accessed by the button below. Preview the form at any time. Once started, however, the form will need to be completed in one sitting. Previous applicants are welcome to apply (provided the individual is still within the age eligibilty criteria).
