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Bard inspires new song search
24/01/2005
A nationwide search for new talent celebrating the
spirit and legacy of Roberts Burns will be supported by
funding of £100,000 from the Scottish Arts Council and
EventScotland.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson today launched
'Burnsong' - a national project to encourage contemporary
songwriting in Scotland.
Ms Ferguson said:
"This week thousands of people throughout the world will
celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns. His songs and
poems, rich in their heartfelt humanity, strike a chord
with us all.
"I'm delighted that the Scottish Arts Council and
EventScotland are funding 'Burnsong', created to celebrate
Burns, and to honour every kind of song.
"Children and adults will be invited to write songs in
every conceivable style and, as with the songs of Burns,
those that reflect people's lives, their relationships with
others, surroundings and environment.
"Protecting Burn's legacy is crucial. Last week I met
representatives from the National Trust for Scotland and
tomorrow I'll be meeting leaders from South Ayrshire
Council. I am confident these discussions about the Burns
National Heritage Park will help ensure its long term
viability."
'Burnsong' was created by Dumfries and Galloway Arts
Association, an independent arts development agency serving
the south-west of Scotland.
Burnsong' invites songs in any style or language: they
can be new, or as new music composed for existing words, or
old tunes found for newly written texts.
Songs need not be in Scots. There are two age
categories, under 16 and 16+. Full submission details can
be found at
www.burnsong.com from January 25.