The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, today announced a new bursary scheme, in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries.
The objective of the bursary scheme is to encourage new local research and local history studies, and a meaningful examination of local, regional, and national events during the Struggle for Independence and Civil War period. It is a timely opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution of local historians in furthering fields of study concerning local events and related themes during this period.
Applications for the 2022 scheme are now open. For further information and scheme guidelines, please visit https://www.ria.ie/decade-centenaries-bursary. A list of suggested research themes to assist applicants can also be found there. The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 27th April 2022 at 5.30pm.
A number of bursaries will be awarded to local historians each year in 2022 and 2023, to encourage new local research and local history studies, furthering fields of research relating to the Struggle for Independence and the Civil War period within their communities. A complementary programme of outreach activities to support public engagement will also be curated. It is envisaged that the award recipients for 2022 will be announced in June.
It is anticipated that up to 8 awards under the scheme will be made annually. Understanding the varying financial requirements of projects, applications will be invited for amounts ranging from €1,000 to €10,000.
Minister Martin said:
“I am delighted to announce this new bursary scheme for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries. I would like to sincerely thank the Royal Irish Academy for their enthusiasm and ambition in administering the scheme. Throughout the Decade of Centenaries, the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations has highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities to support original research and scholarship. This is a wonderful opportunity for local historians - professional or amateur, here in Ireland or abroad, whose research focuses on a region or locality in Ireland or on Irish-based sources.
This bursary scheme also recognises the important role that public libraries and archives have at the heart of their communities, as custodians of unique, archival materials that have great local significance. Applications are also welcome from researchers working in partnership with their local libraries or local archives and local studies departments. All of the materials created under this bursary scheme will be made freely available to the public, in accordance with the inclusive ethos of the Decade of Centenaries Programme.
The new research will provide invaluable scholarship to support authentic, factually based conversations within communities and nationally, as we explore and reflect on the complex and sensitive events and themes of the Struggle for Independence and Civil War period.”
Dr Mary Canning, President of the Royal Irish Academy, reflected:
“The Academy is delighted to be partnering with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations on this bursary scheme. This new bursary scheme will allow local historians and independent scholars to bring to life the vibrant history of their area during one of the most seminal periods in our nation’s development. The local histories that emerge will complement the other themes of the State’s Decade of Centenaries Programme and enhance our understanding and appreciation of key historical developments.”
Dr Maurice Manning, Chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, added:
“Historical authenticity and archival discovery have been cornerstones throughout the Decade of Centenaries Programme, highlighting the importance of ongoing original research at national and community level; of free, public access to authentic historical sources; and the collection and preservation of oral histories, stories, personal papers and ephemera from the period for future generations.
This new bursary scheme is an imaginative, thoughtful and meaningful contribution for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries. It offers an accessible approach to encourage and recognise the invaluable scholarship, original research and new perspectives emerging through the work of those in the field of local history studies. Local historians have made a significant contribution to our understanding of the historical evidence for what was happening in our families, communities and localities during the revolutionary period, at all times acknowledging the multiple identities and traditions which are part of our history and of Irish people worldwide.”
ENDS
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Note to Editor
Suggested themes for the Decade of Centenaries Bursaries:
- New research to explore local legacies, personalities, places, events, and themes that have particular significance within communities, parishes and counties;
- New research to explore the fates of the minority communities on both sides of the border following Partition;
- New research to explore the contribution and experiences of women during this period, e.g. women’s participation in political, military, professional and domestic roles;
- New research exploring Ireland and the Wider World, including local connections, emigration, and the role of the Irish Diaspora in the events that occurred during this period;
- New research exploring a changing society during this period, focusing on social history; popular social, cultural, and civic movements; the Irish language; creative thinking and the arts; sport; and innovation;
- New research exploring nationhood, identity, and State-Building – the establishment of a new Irish Free State and the challenges faced by the emerging Irish State;
- New research exploring how the events of this period have been remembered and commemorated within families, communities and parishes over the past century – how the process of commemoration has evolved;
- New comparative research exploring the Irish period and associated themes in an International context.