The Tamil Nadu state govt. will extend financial assistance to talented, well trained young artists for performing programmes organised by voluntary cultural institutions.

The aid will be extended to artistes in the disciplines of Bharathanatyam, Carnatic vocal, kaathakalakshepam, nagaswaram, violin, veena, flute, jalatharangam, gottuvadyam, mandolin, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, mridangam, ganjira, ghatam, moharsing and konnakkol.

Under the scheme, the govt. will pay Rs. 2800 to a troupe of violin (solo) , veena, gottuvadyam artistes. Rs. 4000 to troupes of kathakalshepam, nagaswaram, clarinet and guitar artistes. Rs. 3000 to troupes of mandolin and saxophone artistes and Rs. 5000 to troupe of Bharatanatyam artistes as remuneration per programme.

Further, cultural institutions will be paid Rs. 2000 to organise each programme. Artists in the field of music should have completed 16 years and Bharatanatyam artistes, 15 years of age. In both the upper age limit is 30 years as on August 1, 2010. Artistes who have already availed of the benefit will not be given another chance in the same discipline.

The application with prospectus can be obtained free by sending a self addressed envelope affixing postal stamp for the value of Rs. 5 to the Member, Scretary, Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram, 31, P.S. Kumarasamy Raja Salai, Chennai - 28.

Phone 044-24937471.

The filled in applications should reach the Manram before August 31.