New Creative Awards announced as legacy of Liverpool-based photographer Ant Clausen

A new fund which will help young people break into the creative industries has been announced in memory of Ant Clausen.

The Fire it Up Fund has been launched in memory of Ant Clausen, a Liverpool based film maker and photographer who died tragically at the start of the year while in his native New Zealand.

The fund will be overseen by Ant’s family in partnership with the Open Eye Gallery and will offer awards to young people from the Liverpool City Region who might otherwise struggle to access the funding or support needed to get a start in the industry.

Fundraising will be launched on 22 June at an event at Bold Street Coffee – another partner in the project – who will be displaying some of Ant’s photography throughout the summer and also raising money for the initiative throughout July.

‘Fire it Up’ was one of Ant’s favourite sayings – when he sensed he or those around him needed a lift or jolt of energy – and it is this positive action which is the driving force for the project.

The first round of funding – including details for how to apply – will be announced in September with the first awards being announced in early 2024.

Sarah Fisher, Director of Open Eye Gallery said;

‘At Open Eye Gallery, discovering and nurturing talent is absolutely central to what we are here to do.

When we were approached with the idea for the fund, it felt like a perfect fit for us to become involved and a fitting and inspiring legacy for Ant.

The fund will focus on supporting young people who haven’t had the opportunity for formal training or who have a good eye but maybe don’t know the next steps they need to take to turn their passion into a career.’

Over the coming months the project is raising funds ahead of the first round of applications, so if you are interested in supporting the Ant Clausen Fire it up Fund then personal donations can be made here.

If you are a business or organisation interested in partnering with the fund then you can get in touch on this email address contact info@openeye.org.uk