THE Arthur Guinness Fund, created in 2009 in the wake of the 250th anniversary of the world's most famous stout to provide funding for social enterprise initiatives across Ireland, has metamorphosed into a new venture.
Arthur Guinness Projects, as it is now known, will plough in €3 million over the next three years to support innovative projects in the areas of arts, music, sport and food.
The initiative, spectacularly launched at Guinness headquarters in Dublin, has been described as "a programme to makes dreams become a reality".The Arthur Guinness Projects will offer funding of between €5,000 and €50,000 to up to five projects in each of the four categories.Individuals who believe they have innovative, inspiring and brilliant ideas are being invited to submit their ideas to www.arthurguinessprojects. com by August 9.The public will then vote for their favourites until August 23 before the top 10 per cent of projects will be submitted to an expert four-person panel, each headed up by a celebrity.Irish rock band The Script head up the music panel while other chairs are award-winning actor Chris O'Dowd (arts), Donegal football manager Jim McGuinness (sport) and celebrity chef Dylan McGrath (food).They will have the crucial decisions to select the 2013 Arthur Guinness Projects winners, who will be revealed at Arthur's Day on September 23 and heralded as a reflection of Ireland's spirit, culture and modern identity.The Script's Danny O'Donoghue said: "There are so many talented and innovative people in Ireland and we can't wait to see some of the projects brought to life."Having the support of Arthur Guinness Projects will go a long way in helping someone get that important first step into the industry."We're looking forward to being a part of that journey."Chris O'Dowd added: "Ireland has been waiting for an initiative like this. There are so many people with amazing ideas and coupled with an energy and passion that us Irish are renowned for, I have no doubt that this will help to unearth some incredible talent."Guinness marketing director Stephen O'Kelly said the inspiration for Arthur Guinness Projects came from people who are innovating and creating and developing ideas."These are the people who believe in Ireland, who see it as a brilliant place to live and work," he said."This initiative will champion the brilliance and ingenuity of regular Irish people with great ideas and is a huge opportunity."