2024 Awardee: Laura Penman

Thank you again for your support! I love my new electro harp, and I’m so excited to use it in new projects.

Biography

Laura Penman is a clarsach player, pianist and composer, who has enjoyed playing traditional music from a young age. She has a passion for creating contemporary arrangements and compositions, highlighting the clarsach within the wider traditional music scene. She began playing the Clarsach at primary school whilst attending Gaelic Medium Education in Edinburgh. She later attended the RCS Juniors, which showed her that being a successful traditional musician was a viable option. She went on to study on the BMus Traditional Music course at the Royal Conservatoire and graduated in 2024. During her time there, Laura was immersed in tradition and inspired by musicians from around the world, working with traditional musicians as well as classical and jazz musicians.

Laura has performed at festivals including Celtic Connections and The Scots Fiddle Festival and played in venues such as the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. Her recent projects involved performing and recording with singer Beth Malcolm, as well as forming a Gaelic song band called Duan. She also formed an all-female band with fellow students at the RCS, called Dàna. The band have performed at many events and festivals, including Piping Live and Under Canvas. In February 2025, Laura was selected as a finalist for the Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award.

How the Award Helped

Laura’s award allowed her to purchase an electro harp, which opens up entirely new possibilities. She hopes to explore electronic sounds and pedal effects, incorporating these ideas into both the traditional idiom, as well as challenging and improving her composition skills. She hopes to record and release a new composition suite that she has written, inspired by the Seven Summits of Edinburgh.

Thank you again for your support! I love my new electro harp, and I’m so excited to use it in new projects.

Visual Arts Round-Up

We’re incredibly proud of our Awardees, who each demonstrate outstanding talent in their field. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the stunning work produced by those working in the visual arts.

Erin McQuarrie (2023)

Erin McQuarrie is a textile artist and researcher from Glasgow based in the Scottish Highlands. She believes ancient methods of making provide an innovative means of interpreting and responding to contemporary life. Her work will feature in ‘Collective Threads’ at The Invisible Dog Art Centre in Brooklyn, New York. Curated by Ana Watterson, the exhibition will be accompanied by two weeks of textile and fibre-filled workshops, demonstrations, and performances.

Collective Threads
Thursday 23 January – Sunday 2 February 2025
The Invisible Dog Art Center, Brooklyn

 

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Haneen Hadiy (2022)

Haneen Hadiy is a visual artist whose work explores her Scottish and Iraqi identity. Her works are known for their distinctive intimacy and integrity. She continuously experiments through a variety of mediums to explore her family history, cultural heritage, and identity as a diasporic artist. ‘Scotland Through Her Eyes’ explores the intersection of cultural identity, spirituality, and the natural beauty of Scottish landscapes through the lens of Islamic symbolism. The work is currently featured in Nationhood: Memory and Hope, a new exhibition of powerful and poignant photography celebrating the diversity of the UK today. The exhibition will run at Impressions Gallery in Bradford from 11 January to 26 April 2024, before touring to Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow.

Nationhood: Memory and Hope
Saturday 11 January 11 – Saturday 26 April 2025
Impressions Gallery, Bradford

 

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Jean Oberlander (2018)

Jean Oberlander is a Scottish textile artist, educator and writer. Her work focuses on journeys and memories of stitches. Her work will feature in Piecing, a group show with Hannah Zbitnew and Ruby Smith at Garage Gallery in Walthomstow, London. The artists describe the show as “an ode to memories of stitches, using what you have and building connections between layers of material”.

Piecing
Friday 7 – Sunday 9 February 2025
Garage Gallery E17, London

 

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Thomas Cameron (2019)

Thomas Cameron closed 2024 with a solo exhibition ‘Twenty-six days a year’ at Canopy Collections in London. Focusing on subjects depicted in moments of waiting, the exhibition captured the understated moments in life, often spent alone and almost immediately forgotten. It was the first exhibition to examine the theme of waiting in Cameron’s practice, which is characterised by figurative paintings depicting everyday scenes of people in the city.

Thomas Cameron | Twenty-six days a year
Friday 8 November— Friday 20 December 2024
Canopy Collections HQ, London

2024 Awardee: Mary Lydon

Receiving the fund from Dewar was beneficial as I planned for our team's third exhibition. This has been by far the largest exhibition, featuring 46 artists from both Scotland and Ukraine. Dewar’s support helped my team and I to have safely transferred all the artwork to the site and to produce an archival catalogue of all featured artists in the show. As we commence with future exhibitions it is incredibly important for Skarbnytsya to create an archive of all emerging contemporary artists we collaborate with. We at Skarbnytsya believe that the archival document of collaboration is vital to retain the stories and narratives of the creatives we work with because it pertains to the greater understanding of cultural history. Winning the award from Dewar has given me greater support in the project and emphasises that the work that Skarbnytsya does is important. I am grateful for Dewar for having such an award for Scotland’s young artistic talent.

Biography

Mary Lydon is a multidisciplinary artist from Ukraine, who currently lives in Glasgow. She co-founded Skarbnytsya in March 2022 and has since been involved in the production of three exhibitions, raising over £10,000 in charity aid for Ukraine.

In general, her art works traverse themes of life, death and rebirth, reflecting the circumstances of her homeland and addressing the trauma of forced displacement. She continually works with the immense visual power of symbols and traditional motifs; incorporating flags, coats of arms and other emblematic material into her constructions, from neo-tribal manhole covers to modernised coats of arms.

Being the art director and curator of Skarbnytsya allows Mary to showcase and preserve curios and ephemera made around and in light of this crucial moment in Ukrainian identity. Her current goal is to keep making Skarbnytsya exhibitions in Glasgow, and potentially take the show to London.

One of Mary’s tutors at Glasgow School of Art, states that “[Mary’s] dedication and care to the artists she exhibited is commendable and rare” and that her “work is an indication both of her capacity, but also (and perhaps more importantly so) of a deep, genuine desire to help others, and to allow for her work to reach beyond the studio and the gallery.”

How the Award Helped

Mary’s Dewar Award supported the development of Skarbnytsya, a Glasgow-based exhibition and print sale that celebrated “local Glasgow artists, underrepresented young makers and an eccentric collection of artists from Ukraine”. The exhibition was curated around the theme of passage and voyage, focusing particularly on Ukrainian craft and Celtic mythology. The award supported Mary in producing hand sewn vests and embroidered folk-style collars for the exhibition. These items took inspiration from her personal history, following passages across the continents during times of war.

Receiving the fund from Dewar was beneficial as I planned for our team's third exhibition. This has been by far the largest exhibition, featuring 46 artists from both Scotland and Ukraine. Dewar’s support helped my team and I to have safely transferred all the artwork to the site and to produce an archival catalogue of all featured artists in the show. As we commence with future exhibitions it is incredibly important for Skarbnytsya to create an archive of all emerging contemporary artists we collaborate with. We at Skarbnytsya believe that the archival document of collaboration is vital to retain the stories and narratives of the creatives we work with because it pertains to the greater understanding of cultural history. Winning the award from Dewar has given me greater support in the project and emphasises that the work that Skarbnytsya does is important. I am grateful for Dewar for having such an award for Scotland’s young artistic talent.

2024 Awardee: Victor Dutor Davidson

The Dewar Arts Award has been an essential support in my musical education, helping me overcome financial barriers and pursue a career that I believe in. Thank you.

Biography

Victor’s musical journey began at the age of 12, when he first took up the Trumpet through school lessons. His early promise was soon recognised, and by the age of 14, he was offered a place at St Mary’s Music School, and continued his studies with Peter Franks.

During his early years, Victor was an active participant in local music-making, particularly with the organisation Oi Musica. He also became a member of Shunpike, a band with whom he has performed extensively, both locally and nationally, including at the famous Jazz Bar in Edinburgh.

At St Mary’s, Victor’s development was further nurtured through his involvement with Scotland’s youth orchestras. He performed across the country’s most esteemed concert halls as part of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra. His performance experience extends to several solo performances in competitions and recital prizes, one of which resulted in a performance of the Neruda Trumpet Concerto with the Edinburgh Chamber Orchestra in December 2023. Before leaving St Mary’s Music School, Victor was awarded the Muirhead Prize for a Brass Player and the Dunlop Composition Prize.

In the summer of 2024, Victor expanded his artistic horizons when he was invited to participate in the San Marino New Music Project, where he performed contemporary works in San Marino and Rimini. By working with musicians such as Trombonist John Kenny and Italian composer Giacomo Manzoni, he has gained further interest in contemporary styles.

How the Award Helped

Victor’s Award supports his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he is enrolled on the BMus Classical Trumpet course with Paul Beniston.

The Dewar Arts Award has been an essential support in my musical education, helping me overcome financial barriers and pursue a career that I believe in. Thank you.

2021 Awardee: Aya Fetah

Receiving the award has helped me in every way possible, I was able to buy supplies for my course and not worry about the costs and just be able to get my head down and work away and produce work with a high quality standard. I am so grateful to be able to receive the Dewar Arts Award - it has allowed me to even explore and be more creative then before as I was very limited.

Biography

Born in Holland, Aya moved to Scotland with her family at the age of nine. This involved learning a new culture and language at a young age. As a result, Aya found subjects such as maths and English very challenging, but she was able to express herself through art. She has pursued this interest, and was accepted into Glasgow School of Art to study Textile Design, which she described as a “dream come true”. At GSA, Aya specialised in Embroidered Textiles, and was described by her course leader as a motivated, committed and enthusiastic student.

How the Award Helped

Aya’s Award supported her studies at Glasgow School of Art, enabling her to purchase art supplies, fabrics, yarn and materials. This allowed her to experiment and develop her craft in ways that were not previously possible.

Since the Award

After graduating from Glasgow School of Art, Aya was accepted to Birmingham City University to pursue a Masters’ Degree in Surface & Textile Design.

Receiving the award has helped me in every way possible, I was able to buy supplies for my course and not worry about the costs and just be able to get my head down and work away and produce work with a high quality standard. I am so grateful to be able to receive the Dewar Arts Award - it has allowed me to even explore and be more creative then before as I was very limited.

2024 Awardee: Tammy Dyson

Receiving the Dewar Award has been transformative for me. As a working-class artist, having access to quality drum equipment and studio space is something I couldn’t have achieved on my own. This support has allowed me the freedom to truly express myself, experiment, and refine my techniques, pushing my music further than I ever thought possible.

Biography

Tammy is a multimedia artist and musician, and recent graduate of the Glasgow School of Art. Since completing her studies, she’s been immersed in a diverse creative practice, spanning visual art, music production, and film.

Tammy’s work flows between mediums, aiming to connect sound, image, and rhythm into expressive, impactful pieces. Music, especially drumming, has become a central part of her practice. Performing live with her band, Saint Sappho, and working on music videos has allowed Tammy to blend visual storytelling with soundscapes, creating experiences that resonate on multiple levels.

With each new project, Tammy looks forward to expanding her creative reach, performing more live shows, and evolving as an artist. Her journey is ongoing, and she’s committed to following it wherever it leads, always pushing boundaries and exploring the intersections of art, sound, and movement.

How the Award Helped

Tammy’s Award helped her secure a suitable studio space, enabling her to develop her artistic practice, nurture her musical talents, and hone her skills.

Receiving the Dewar Award has been transformative for me. As a working-class artist, having access to quality drum equipment and studio space is something I couldn’t have achieved on my own. This support has allowed me the freedom to truly express myself, experiment, and refine my techniques, pushing my music further than I ever thought possible.

Awardee Spotlight: Tessa Mackenzie

Glassworker and illustrator Tessa Mackenzie (Dewar Awardee 2023) has recently opened The Glaziers Arms in Glasgow’s East End.

Tessa Mackenzie is a glassworker and illustrator based in Glasgow. She is interested in research-led projects, material focus in the built environment, and storytelling.

Tessa moved from London to Glasgow in 2012 to study Communication Design at the Glasgow School of Art. Since graduating she has developed a material-led practice, with a focus around how Stained Glass can enhance the way we experience architecture and the role it has to play in telling the stories of people that occupy a space.

In 2023, Tessa received a Dewar Award to help her explore the technique of acid etching. As Tessa is a self-taught glassmaker, she didn’t have the opportunity to learn complex techniques in a traditional environment. Her Dewar Award allowed her to seek private tuition with stained glass artist Brian Waugh, access necessary facilities, cover material expenses and allocate dedicated time. This financial backing not only allowed her to learn the ancient technique but also paved the way for her to confidently explore innovative methods of production, enhancing and elevating her artistic practice.

Her final piece combines techniques of acid etching, engraving, silver stain, painted enamel, plating and fusing, and images of the work can be viewed in the gallery below.

In August 2024, Tessa opened The Glaziers Arms, a new studio in Glasgow’s East End. The space offers workshops, stained glass windows and glass homewares. To find out more, visit the Instagram or website. You can also find out more about Tessa’s work at tessamackenzie.com.

2023 Awardee: Olivia Shearon

I am extremely grateful to have received the Dewar Arts Award. It has helped me to push my creative capabilities to the maximum and contributed hugely towards the cost of materials and the development of my graduate collection. All which may have not been attainable without the funding.

Biography

Olivia Shearon is a fashion design graduate from the University of Edinburgh. Her ambition is to create garments that offer a high fashion spin on sportswear, with the desire to empower women.

Much of Olivia’s research is focused upon challenging the often distorted view of society’s perception towards the female form and ‘perfectionism’. She has been inspired by her personal journey with body image and her escape place: the gym and weightlifting. The celebration of all body types is a huge focus within Olivia’s process; highlighting the importance of the human body, its strength, flexibility, and individuality.

Olivia’s designs combine innovative knitwear and exaggerated silhouettes to embody a sense of comfort and functionality, juxtaposed with restriction. This results in garments designed to be adjustable and for layering, styled to the customer’s preference.

How the Award Helped

Olivia’s Award was used to help fund her graduate fashion collection. In the final year of her course, Olivia designed and manufactured a 6-outfit collection, which was shown at Graduate Fashion Week London and the annual Edinburgh College of Art Fashion Show. Funding from the Dewar Arts Awards provided her with the necessary resources to fully explore her creativity and bring her unique vision to life.

Since the Award

In 2024, Olivia graduated with a first-class degree from the Edinburgh College of Art at University of Edinburgh.

I am extremely grateful to have received the Dewar Arts Award. It has helped me to push my creative capabilities to the maximum and contributed hugely towards the cost of materials and the development of my graduate collection. All which may have not been attainable without the funding.

2016 Awardee: Shane Quigley Murphy

Being a student in financial difficulty was an ever present worry while beginning my career as an artist. The assistance from such a prestigious arts award buoyed my confidence and artistic endeavours. I will forever be thankful to the Dewar Arts Award and I look forward to being in a position to help the new generation of talent myself.

Biography

Shane is a professional Actor and Voice Over Artist from Dublin, Ireland. He graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a BA in Acting in 2016. Shane was also the recipient of the Laurence Olivier bursary while studying in the RCS. He has since gone on to work professionally in Scotland, England and the Republic of Ireland in film, TV, theatre and voice over work.

How the Award Helped

After receiving the award, Shane was able to get headshots, commute to London for auditions, purchase recording equipment, enrol in film acting classes and buy a pint or two for his fellow actors and teachers who supported him while in his studies.

Since the Award

Shane has gone on to work extensively in Ireland and the United Kingdom. While primarily a theatre actor, he has transitioned into film and TV taking the well honed skillset developed from Scottish acting practitioners. He has also picked up multiple best actor awards for independent feature films.

Being a student in financial difficulty was an ever present worry while beginning my career as an artist. The assistance from such a prestigious arts award buoyed my confidence and artistic endeavours. I will forever be thankful to the Dewar Arts Award and I look forward to being in a position to help the new generation of talent myself.

Awardee News: Jen Hadfield

Dewar Awardee Jen Hadfield is one of the recipients of this year’s Windham-Campbell Prizes.

One of the most significant and prestigious international literary awards, the Windham-Campbell Prizes celebrate achievement across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. The prizes are administered by Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library and recognise how challenging it can be to work in the creative industries. The award allows recipients to focus on their creative practice, independent of financial concerns. Writers do not apply for the prizes, but are instead nominated by an anonymous prize-giving committee.

A quote from the prize committee said: ‘Jen Hadfield’s intricate poems slow down time, reveal overlooked details of the natural world, and forge complex relationships between language, history, and place.’

In 2007, a Dewar Award supported Hadfield to travel to Mexico and research Mexican devotional folk art. This research trip inspired the creation of ‘Nigh-No-Place’, a solo exhibition of Shetland ex-votos in the style of sacred Mexican folk art – ‘tiny, portable, insistently familiar landscapes packed in an array of weathered tobacco tins, incorporating rubrics of very short fiction’.

Speaking of her Dewar Award, Jen said:
“The Dewar Award represented a green light to put my creative work first for most of a year… I consider the Dewar Award to have marked a crucial stage in my developing confidence as an artist in multiple disciplines.”

Jen’s second poetry collection ‘Nigh-No-Place’ won the T.S. Eliot Prize in 2008, and her fourth poetry collection, The Stone Age, won the Highland Book Prize in 2021. Storm Pegs, her work of lyrical non-fiction about island life, will be published by Picador in July 2024.

Read more about Jen Hadfield on the Windham Campbell website

If you feel a Dewar Arts Award could support you in your progression as a young artist, or know someone else who might benefit, find out more about how to apply on our Eligibility and Application pages