Young creatives to benefit from new fund in memory of Liverpool photographer

A new fund in memory of a Liverpool-based film-maker photographer has been launched to help young people forging a career in the creative industries.

Ant Clausen died in January while on holiday in his native New Zealand. He was 47.

The Fire it Up Fund, named after one of Clausen’s favourite sayings, will be overseen by the father-of-two’s family in partnership with the city’s Open Eye Gallery and will offer awards to young people from the Liverpool City Region who need support to get a start in the industry.

It was launched today at Bold Street Coffee, which is also partnering the initiative and raising money for it throughout July. Visitors to the venue can also see some of Clausen’s own images on display.

Open Eye Gallery director Sarah Fisher says: “At Open Eye Gallery, discovering and nurturing talent is absolutely central to what we’re 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.”

Details of how to apply for the first round of funding will be announced in September, and the first awards will be revealed early next year.

Anyone who is interested in supporting the Fire it Up Fund can make a personal donation HERE. Businesses or organisations who would like to know more about supporting the fund should email info@openeye.co.uk