RTÉ andRAAP (Recorded Artists Actors Performers) have joined forces to award a 'Breakthrough Bursary' for emerging artists on the island of Ireland.

Each category winner will recieve €5,000 and nine runner-up acts will receive a bursary of €500.

A shortlist will be chosen by a panel of judges that includes Mary Black, Fiachna Ó Braonáin (Hothouse Flowers), Niall Byrne (Nialler9.com) Ciarán Tourish (Altan), Cormac Battle and many more.

Closing date for entries is Thursday the 9th of August at 4pm sharp. For more information and Terms & Conditions visit RTÉ.ie.