“I had the time of my life”

Keeley, a talented young singer and musician, successfully auditioned three times for the prestigious National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland (NYCNI) but had never been able to accept her place due to the costs involved. After being awarded an NYAT bursary to attend last summer, she went on to do something extraordinary, showing her passion and dedication to ensuring access to performing arts opportunities for all.

Keeley describes her journey: “Because of your bursary, I was able to attend NYCNI – I had the TIME OF MY LIFE! and the week definitely confirmed to me that I would pursue a career in the arts. I completely fell in love with music and performing again, and genuinely I think it was the best week of my life. 

Following that incredible week, we were informed that NYCNI would be closing due to a 100% reduction in funds from the Arts Council; because of how incredibly much that week meant to me, I started a petition to save NYCNI.

This petition absolutely took off and I featured on National news (BBC and UTV) and plenty of newspapers (Irish News, ect) where I got to talk about the organisation, lack of funding for the arts and how incredibly important access to the arts is. 

Following this, NYCNI was saved (temporarily!) and even more – I got nominated for a YAFTA award and I won this award in the ‘Voice of young people’ Category for my work in access to the arts. A voice that was only granted to me by NYAT’s help. 

I wanted to email to say how incredibly grateful I am to the National Youth Arts Trust, and how without use – absolutely none of this would have been possible. What started with a £500 bursary has turned into something a lot bigger, and I owe it all to use. So from the bottom of my heart – Thank you, thank you, thank you.

All my love and gratitude – Keeley: a very grateful NYAT bursary recipient”.