ONE of the features of the 1998 Wexford Festival of which chief executive Jerome Hynes seems most proud, is the existence of two bursaries which are open to all members of the company. The awards will be made "to an individual of exceptional merit" and are to be used "in the further development of their careers".

The £4,000 John Small Bursary has been made possible through the generosity of the Small family, in memory of John Small, who died in 1997 and was for a period the festival's vice-chairman. A £3,500 bursary has been provided for by Gerard Arnhold, after whom it is named. "These awards," says Jerome Hynes, "are a wonderful way to recognise talent, and apart from offering the individuals a professional experience at Wexford, we are particularly pleased that we will be able to further the careers of the recipients in the years ahead."