Legacy keeps the dream alive

APPLICATIONS have opened for a Tasmanian grant program that was established in memory of one of the state’s late musicians to help others live their dream.

Nick Balcombe died after a stroke at age 31 in 2014, and the Nick Balcombe Foundation was formed by family and friends in his honour.

“He [had] just left a job in the professional world and decided that, rather than head back down that line, he would have a crack at doing what he really wanted to do, which was writing songs and playing music,” foundation chairman and Nick’s brother, Lou Balcombe said.

“After he passed away, a group of his friends got together … to put together the foundation to raise funds to give out grants to help other musicians chase their dreams.”

Applications have now opened for the fourth year.

Artists to have previously benefited from the grants include A. Swayze and the Ghosts, Hugo Bladel, Maddy Jane and Jed Appleton.

“We pick the people that are motivated and passionate, and we like to think that the small amount of money that we do give them, as well as the network connections and the industry connections that we’re able to help with for some of them, just gives them that little helping hand to make it a little bit easier,” Lou said.

The Live Your Dream grant has increased in value to $4000 this year.

Applications for the grants are open until January 25, and the recipients will be announced at the foundation’s annual event in late February.

For more information visit nickbalcombefoundation.com. au.