Test Valley Arts Foundation invites artists and musicians living and/or working in the Borough of Test Valley to apply for its annual Awards for the Arts. The Foundation aims to encourage and assist the development of artistic talent of all ages within the Borough.

Groups, individuals and organisations can apply for the Open Access Award. There is no age limit and proposals for innovative, experimental new work or projects are especially welcome. The maximum amount awarded for the Open Access grant is normally £1,000.

Artists at the outset of their careers, aged between 16 and 26 years and working in any art form can apply for the Colvin Young Artists Award. It is for materials, research, (but not university or academic research), or for a specific project. The maximum award is normally £1,000 and it is sponsored by the family of the late Michael Colvin MP, who set up the foundation. This award is now also open for the further artistic education of school and college leavers.

For the Morrison Music Award preference will be given to applicants from the north of Test Valley borough, Andover and surrounding area. Applicants should be 25 years or under and the award is linked to classical or ‘serious’ music.

Amongst the most recent grants awarded was an Open Access Award for Sarah Morgan setting up a singing group at ‘the Lights’ theatre in Andover with a hugely successful outcome. Senior Arts Officer Michael Johnson commented: "What delights and vibrant energy are brought to ‘the Lights’ by the ‘Spotlight Singers’! Every week the group meet and sing their hearts out to the heights of the arts centre ceilings. ‘Spotlight Singers’ have become a regular feature to the weekly routine in our local arts programme. After each workshop their happy ‘chitter chatter’ has now established a familiar scene in ‘the Lights’ coffee shop. Much more than just a singing group - more like welcome and familiar friends."

One of the new daytime choir members, Sheila Casson, added: “It amazes me how a group of people who had never sung together, and some had not sung since schooldays, have so quickly gelled into a choir. How did we so rapidly get into three and four part harmony? I love the choice of music. Sometimes when we sing it feels almost magical! I think that singing has benefited me both physically and mentally - it's very uplifting - and I have improved my range of notes which I can reach. Long may ‘Spotlight Singing’ continue!”

The deadline for new applications is Friday, March 7. For more information contact Michael Widén on 01264 738083, email michael@testvalleyarts.org or visit www.testvalleyarts.org.