Beneath the Arch bursaries benefit young performing artists

A big boost is available for young Foothills performers.

Diamond Valley non-profit Beneath the Arch is accepting applications for its annual performing arts bursary, with over $4,000 in funding available.

The bursary is available for young performing artists in grades 4 to 12 that reside in the western portion of Foothills County.

"Geographically, the applicants have to live in Foothills County, but only west of 16 Street West," said director of awards Jim Coyle. "So it includes Diamond Valley, Millarville, Longview and Priddis, but not Okotoks or High River.

"It's specific to our area, which of course is back to the community aspect of it all."

Beneath the Arch defines "performing arts" as "any creative, artistic endeavour that is active and viewed by an audience," including dance, music and theatre.

Up to five recipients will be chosen, and the funds can be used for anything related to the artist's work, including tuition, materials, competition fees and more.

Applicants are invited to submit an application form, available online. Applications also require a letter of reference, and a video up to three minutes is optional but recommended.

The application deadline is Friday, May 3. Decisions will be announced by the end of May.

To help with fundraising, the organization is holding a raffle with some big prizes, including a canoe and accessories package valued at $6,273.

"We called it 'the adventure draw,'" said Coyle. "So first prize will be Tom's Marine and Sports, the canoe, and then Turner Valley Golf Club [passes and carts], and Anchor D Outfitting [horseback riding sessions].

"We're always looking at ways to raise more money for the kids."

Learn more about the raffle on the website.

As part of its work, Beneath the Arch operates a concert series that's considered a staple of the Foothills community.

"We do have seven concerts over the year," said Coyle. "We've already booked our concerts for next year, so we're very excited about that.

"It's a great way to bring the community together, to listen to some music and to connect with each other."

The 2023/2024 season is wrapping up on Saturday, April 27 with a performance by Winnipeg band Leaf Rapids.