The family of the late great BBC Radio Ulster star Gerry Anderson has launched a fundraising campaign to help talented artists break into the music industry on the tenth anniversary of the popular broadcaster’s death.
The Gerry Anderson Music Bursary campaign has been launched in partnership with the Oh Yeah Music Centre and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI).
The 69-year-old had privately fought the ravages of cancer for two years.
But sadly Gerry passed away in August 2014 and was much mourned by his listeners across Derry and the North of Ireland who tuned in daily to listen to him and sidekick Sean Coyle.
Gerry’s son David recalled how his father believed in the transformative power of music and the importance of supporting emerging talent throughout his distinguished career.
“My Dad, Gerry, was a musician before his career took off on radio and television,” he said.
“We believe this bursary is a perfect tribute to his legacy.
“He faced the same challenges as any aspiring musician and dedicated himself to supporting and uplifting the next generation of talent.”
David said the family “felt compelled to act” after hearing Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody make a heartfelt plea for more arts funding.
“In response, we established the Gerry Anderson Music Bursary in partnership with the Oh Yeah Centre and CFNI,” he added.
“This initiative allows us to honour Dad’s passion and continue his work, a decade after his passing.”
The Snow Patrol front man accused Stormont of being “short-sighted” when it comes to public funding for the arts including music, drama, and writing back in June.
He said it has spent significantly less per head of population on the sector compared to other UK regions and the Republic of Ireland, despite the fact that the arts is a “life-raft” for many people.
The vocalist, and founder of the Oh Yeah Centre, said he is honoured that his words inspired action as he recalled the influence Gerry Anderson has had on his own life.
“When I think about Gerry I think about my Da,” Gary said.
“The radio was on a lot in our house growing up, and my dad was usually shouting at it, but not Gerry’s show.
“He would be laughing, as Gerry was not only clearly a very big hearted man but was also really funny.
“And I loved hearing my dad laugh. So when the name Gerry Anderson is mentioned my mind goes to my dear dad and that is a gift.
“I’m honoured to hear words I said about the arts in NI might have, in some small way, inspired his family to create this bursary to help the next generation of musicians in our wee place.
“And I am very proud to be associated in any way with the name Gerry Anderson.”
Gerry’s show on BBC Radio Foyle and Radio Ulster spanned three decades and saw him become a much-loved voice on the airwaves.
Manager CFNI’s Acorn Fund, Shauna Kelpie, said the Derry branch is “delighted to support the Anderson Family in connecting Gerry’s legacy locally through new opportunities for talented individuals to make their mark on the entertainment industry.”
“All donations will provide vital resources for young artists, ensuring access to education, instruments, services and resources, including affordable rehearsal and recording spaces as well as mentoring and talent development.”
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