YOUNG artists in Northumberland are being encouraged to apply for the second round of an arts bursary scheme inspired by the dark skies around Kielder Observatory.

Franks Fellowship is launching for the second time and will give four artists, aged between 14 and 18, £250 each and access to the observatory.

Last year, Ethan Jewitt, 15, Sarah Dickinson, 14, Jacob Harrison, 17, and Jemima Green, 17, who all live in Northumberland, gained fellowship grants and created art in acrylic paint, mixed media and textiles.

Sarah said: "I was so grateful to receive the fellowship. It allowed me to buy new art materials and explore new approaches to being creative.

"I really enjoyed visiting the observatory and exploring its interrelationship with the landscape and the sky, which inspired my mixed media painting."

Hexham Courant: Sarah Dickinson with her art work inspired by the dark skiesSarah Dickinson with her art work inspired by the dark skies (Image: Stride PR)

Frank’s Fellowship was established last year following a generous legacy from the late Frank Fortescue.

Artists have until April 30 to apply for the latest round of the Fellowship. To enter the 2023 round, artists should submit up to 300 words or a two-minute video describing what the opportunity means to them.

There are no restrictions on which artform can be the subject of a bursary and entrants do not need to be formally studying their chosen artform.

Successful applicants will attend a Fellowship day at the observatory, have access to observatory events and be connected to the observatory's professional artist network. Artists can apply by following this link: https://forms.gle/NEFynQES8kxpxZGRA.