A Chance for Young Burren Adults to ‘Subvert the Screen’ - The Ann O’Connor Dunford ‘Young Burren Ambassador’ Bursary 2016

Technology has transformed our lives in so many, largely positive, ways and its remarkable how young people in particular have engaged with it. It has been suggested however that our increasing use of technology has contributed to the growing ‘disconnect’ between us and the natural world that surrounds us. Perhaps we need to find new and exciting ways to enable nature and technology to work better together? We believe the young people of the Burren have the solutions as to how we can do this! That is why Burrenbeo Trust has opened a call for applications for The Ann O’Connor Dunford ‘Young Burren Ambassador’ Bursary 2016. This award aims to encourage teenagers and young adults from the Burren to explore innovative ways to enable technology and nature to complement each other and work in harmony. It is designed to encourage youth engagement with the Burren landscape, through exploring themes of environment, heritage and conservation.

In its 2nd year, the Young Burren Ambassador Bursary is awarded by Ireland’s only landscape charity, Burrenbeo Trust, to commemorate and honour the Trust’s late co-founder and patron, Ann O’Connor Dunford. Ann had a great vision for and belief in the capabilities and potential of the Burren’s youth; acknowledging and encouraging their role as the future custodians of this unique and special landscape. The winner of the bursary will receive support to develop an innovative project which will create awareness, be informative, showcase the Burren’s exceptional potential, and most importantly highlight the wonderful skills and imagination of the individual/group themselves. This is a fantastic opportunity for any young creatives, to think about new, fun and exciting ways to engage with the Burren’s unique landscape and community.

This year’s theme is: ‘SUBVERTING THE SCREEN - Harnessing the power of technology to explore and share the wonder of nature’. As Burrenbeo Community Engagement Officer Elaine Williams says “This is a fabulous opportunity for any young individual to think outside of the box, showcase their talents and explore the potential power of technology to reconnect people with nature. Burrenbeo Trust are extremely passionate about investing in the future generations of this unique landscape. It is through the support and generosity of its members, that this bursary is possible – so don’t wait around to apply, you could be the next Young Burren Ambassador!”

Applicants must be between 13 and 21 years of age and should have a strong connection to the Burren. The deadline for applications is 31st May 2016, with the awardee being announced on the 14th July 2016. For more information see www.burrenbeo.com, email: elaine@burrenbeo.com, or call 091 638096