2012 Awardee: Chrissie Ardill

The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me to take full advantage of my place on the DEBS scheme at Dance Base in Edinburgh and develop my technical dance skills as well as gaining further opportunities to choreograph and perform.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTNkhSA6o_IaO2SlFf23G5w
 
 

Biography

Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, Chrissie moved to Glasgow in 2007 to study dance full time.  Alongside her studies, she took advantage of every opportunity to engage in the Scottish dance scene, teaching freelance and choreographing new work.

Sadly, during her time in Scotland, Chrissie’s mother died.  This added significantly to Chrissie’s personal and financial challenges, but she remained determined to succeed in her chosen career.  She proved herself to be an exciting new talent and was awarded a scholarship place on the Dancers Emerging Bursary Scheme (DEBS) at Dance Base in Edinburgh.  This would allow her to receive professional dance classes and mentoring, as well as opportunities for networking and residencies.

A strong dancer with choreography skills that demonstrate “engaging and intelligent lines of enquiry”, Chrissie has been featured in the BBC Alba series ‘Danssa‘ as well as having a duet she choreographed entitled ‘Mangled’ (see below) tour across the UK.

How the Award Helped

The cost of travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh proved prohibitive for Chrissie in accepting her place at Dance Base. Her Dewar Award funded the travel between the two cities, allowing her to make the most of the opportunities offered to develop her skills and further her ambitions.

‘Mangled’ – Choreographed by Chrissie Ardil and performed by Underhand Dance Company

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The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me to take full advantage of my place on the DEBS scheme at Dance Base in Edinburgh and develop my technical dance skills as well as gaining further opportunities to choreograph and perform.

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2012 Awardee: Roz McAndrew

Receiving the Dewar Award has had a significant impact on my life. Without your support I would not have been able to accept my place at one of the UK's top Drama Schools. I can't put into words how grateful I am. Thank you!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS:
 
 
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rozmcandrew

Biography

A talented actress, Roz is a determined individual who takes on life’s challenges and remains positive and motivated.  Whilst living in a socially deprived area of Musselburgh, Edinburgh, she took on two part-time jobs to support her family and her education.

Roz studied an HND in Acting and Performance at Edinburgh’s Telford College.  She proved herself to be adept in comedic acting as well as more serious roles.  She played the antagonist in ‘Split//Second‘; a forum theatre production with Creative Electric, which explored the impacts of knife crime on young people and toured secondary schools around Edinburgh.

Roz also took on the role of Chairperson of the Creative Electric Youth Board.  This involved a high level of responsibility with duties such as managing the youth company, leading meetings and fundraising for the organisation.

After completing her HND and gaining an A grade, Roz secured a place at the highly competitive Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London.  Her drive and determination is matched by her talent and interpersonal skills, and as such she demonstrates excellent potential for her future career.

How the Award Helped

Roz received an award to support her on her three-year degree course at Italia Conti.

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Receiving the Dewar Award has had a significant impact on my life. Without your support I would not have been able to accept my place at one of the UK's top Drama Schools. I can't put into words how grateful I am. Thank you!

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2012 Awardee: Andy Macleman

I plan to work as efficiently as possible with my own ideals, choreographic intentions and musical scores alongside soaking up every moment with Richard Alston.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS:
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/anticlimac

Biography

When nominating Andy for a Dewar Award, the Assistant Director of the London Contemporary Dance School described his approach and artistic exploration as being “commensurate with those of a young professional, rather than an undergraduate student”.  An exceptional talent, Andy’s character and drive “mark him as being the sort of young artist who will make waves, and go on to have an impact in the field of contemporary dance”.

Having lived in Dundee for 21 years, Andy took the plunge and moved down to London to study dance.  Although his parents were unable to support him financially, he managed to complete his course and graduated with a first class honours degree.

Proving himself to be an incredibly motivated individual with a natural and honest ability in dance and choreography, Andy went on to successfully audition for an apprenticeship with the Richard Alston Dance Company.  This offered him the opportunity to tour with one of the UK’s leading companies whilst working towards a postgraduate qualification.

When writing about the company, Andy said: “Their work excites me; the musicality connects to my choreographic interests very strongly. The tour reaches across Britain, Europe and America alike which makes the Richard Alston Dance Company a very sought after company to perform for”.  However, it became clear to Andy that without financial assistance he would not be able to accept his place on the apprenticeship.

How the Award Helped

Andy’s Dewar Award enabled him to take up his apprenticeship with the Richard Alston Dance Company.

Since the Award

June 2014: Andy achieved a distinction for his postgraduate studies. His exceptional talent and dedication have brought him a wealth of outstanding opportunities in his dance career.  He has gone on to peform across the globe with the Richard Alston Dance Company, and since then with Ballet Rambert and the Matthew Bourne Company, in iconic shows including Swan Lake.

June 2014: Profile with Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.

June 2014: Performing Merce Cunningham at The Barbican.

April 2012: Review – Choreography and performance of Andy’s piece ‘Drone’.

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I plan to work as efficiently as possible with my own ideals, choreographic intentions and musical scores alongside soaking up every moment with Richard Alston.

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2012 Awardee: Greg Grant

The Dewar Award's contribution will provide vital financial assistance to complete the MFA course and allow me to realise the potential development and opportunity it offers. Without this valuable contribution I would have been unable to fully capitalise upon the knowledge and expertise I will gain here in Sweden.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.thenowmuseum.com/
 
 

Biography

Greg grew up in Glasgow, and in spite of considerable financial restrictions was determined to develop his passion for art and his skills as an artist.  Through hard work and dedication, Greg gained a first class honours degree in Art History & Theory from St Andrew’s University as well as a BA with distinction from the Glasgow School of Art.

Post-graduation, Greg went on to win The Arches in Glasgow’s first annual Black Box award. He also began to exhibit his work in solo and group shows nationally and internationally.  In 2008 he was included in the Edinburgh City Art Centre’s Travelling Gallery exhibition Re/Trato, alongside artists such as Kenny Hunter and Sean Gladwell.

Still retaining close contact with Glasgow, Greg began to undertake periods of research in other countries such as Cuba, France, Spain and the Netherlands where he completed a residency at Kaus Australis, an independently run art organisation in Rotterdam.

Whilst developing his practice, Greg found a growing commitment towards advancing social engagement through his art.  As a result of this focus as well as his “exceptional capacities as an artist that can benefit still from an educational context”, Greg was offered a place on the highly competitive MFA course at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

How the Award Helped

Greg’s award provided subsistence while he studied for the MFA in Sweden, which included a highly rewarding six month period working in Italy for American artist Mark Dion on an ERASMUS placement.  This course has a strong focus on social engagement, allowing him to further develop his talents and interests whilst studying at the highest level.

Since the Award

During his time as a postgraduate student, Greg has won recognition for his hard work by winning several grants and awards, including the Otto and Charlotte Mannheimer stipedium.  He was also selected by a jury of prominent Swedish artists and academics for inclusion in the Akademiska Hus exhibition of publically engaged art, ‘Art of Change’ in September 2013.  Titled ‘Forspel’ (Prelude) the piece worked with local Roma street musicians to explore the politics of public space (see below).

September 2008

The Scotsman: Idolon review (at Arches Live! Festival)

The Scotsman: Over Arching Principle feature

The Sunday Herald: From The Far Side feature

The List: Only the Brave interview (for The Human Image project)

Prelude – Postgraduate work selected for inclusion in the Art of Change exhibition

Where a Singular Will Provokes Collective Action – realised at Kaus Australis, Rotterdam

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The Dewar Award's contribution will provide vital financial assistance to complete the MFA course and allow me to realise the potential development and opportunity it offers. Without this valuable contribution I would have been unable to fully capitalise upon the knowledge and expertise I will gain here in Sweden.

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2012 Awardee: Lyndsay McNeill

My ultimate aim is to become an independent fashion designer of the future. I believe that studying at L.C.F. with financial assistance courtesy of a Dewar Award would allow me to achieve my goal.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.lyndsaymcneill.com/
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Falkirk, Lyndsay has lived in Scotland all her life.  A prolific and diligent worker, she has proved herself to have an exceptional aptitude for fashion design.

In 2012 Lyndsay graduated from the Edinburgh College of Art with a first class honours degree.  Her hard work and obvious talent earned her many accolades whilst she was there, including the Andrew Grant Bequest Fund for her first year’s work, an exhibition at the London Fashion Week and an internship at Jonathan Saunders.  She then went on to gain an unconditional offer to study an MA in Fashion Design Technology Menswear at the London College of Fashion.

Lyndsay’s ambition is to become an independent fashion designer.  She aims to create “an alternative minimalism, where complex cutting and fabric manipulation combine to create a groundbreaking tailored collection of exclusive garments”.  She enjoys pushing and challenging herself in all areas of her design work and hopes her collections will “enhance individuality and challenge the perception of the consumer”.

How the Award Helped

Lyndsay’s Dewar Award supported her in her MA at the London College of Fashion.

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My ultimate aim is to become an independent fashion designer of the future. I believe that studying at L.C.F. with financial assistance courtesy of a Dewar Award would allow me to achieve my goal.

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2012 Awardee: Philip Sharp

Whilst on the course I will be aiming to perform as much as possible, in order to build on experience and attempt to make a name for myself.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.philipsharp.co.uk/
 
 

Biography

Growing up in Glasgow, Philip demonstrated an exceptional talent as a virtuoso pianist.  By the age of 18 he had already mastered an impressive repertoire, including the third concertos of Rachmaninov and Prokofiev, which he successfully performed in a number of concerts.

Philip went on to study at the Chetham’s College of music.  His talent and academic abilities earned him a place on the prestigious and demanding ‘joint course’ at Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music.  With his ambitions set on building a career as a solo performer, the course provided an excellent platform from which he could develop his true potential.

How the Award Helped

Philip’s Dewar Award supported him in accepting his place on the ‘joint course’ at Manchester University and the RNCM.

Since the Award

Update 2020: Philip graduated in 2018 and has gone on to become a Junior Fellow at the Royal Northern College of Music

Philip Sharp performing in 2018

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Whilst on the course I will be aiming to perform as much as possible, in order to build on experience and attempt to make a name for myself.

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2012 Awardee: Mark Taylor

"I am forever in debt to the Dewar Arts Awards. You do an incredible job for young people like me and I hope one day I can help you make the difference to other young people’s lives. Thank you."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Mark is an especially talented flute player who is utterly devoted to music.  Demonstrating a flair for performance that is instinctive and natural. Mark has a very advanced level of technique for his age.  He plays expressively, with an intensity and sensitivity that captivates his audiences.

Having grown up in Lanarkshire, Mark studied at the Douglas Academy Music School and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.  During his time at the RCS he won the Gilbert Inness Woodwind Competition, performed as a soloist with the West of Scotland Concert Band, and was overall winner at the Glasgow Music Festival two years in a row.

Since then, Mark went on to gain a scholarship to study at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music in London.  He proved himself to be a student with exceptional potential, standing out as a leading talent in a highly competitive environment.

Mark is highly self-motivated and driven, showing a dedication to his studies and real commitment to his instrument.  He is an intelligent, creative and charismatic individual with a great future ahead of him.

How the Award Helped

Whilst at the Guildhall School of Music, a change in Mark’s financial circumstances threatened his ability to continue his studies.  Receiving a Dewar Award helped him to carry on with his course and fulfil his potential.

Since the Award

Mark successfully completed his studies at the Guildhall, receiving exceptional praise for his talent and dedication. In his final report, he told us:

“It is very difficult for me to put into words how thankful I am to have had the support behind me during these four years. When I think of all the times where I thought it was the end of the road I don’t know how I got through it. When I look at my degree it will not only be my great diploma, it will be a reminder for me to stay strong and keep going in times of real struggle. I will look at it in years to come and I will never forget the generous support from my donors and charities that helped me survive and gave me the equipment to make my dreams real.

I hope from what I have written you will see the impact your support has made on my studies and even more importantly my life. I am forever in debt to the Dewar Arts Awards. You do an incredible job for young people like me and I hope one day I can help you make the difference to other young people’s lives. Thank you.”

Additional Award (2015)

After studying in Cologne as an Erasmus student, Mark was offered the exceptional opportunity to undertake a postgraduate course at the Hochshule fur Musik und Tanz, under the tutelage of Robert Winn. Mark received a further award to enable him to continue his studies to masters level in one of Europe’s finest woodwind departments.

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"I am forever in debt to the Dewar Arts Awards. You do an incredible job for young people like me and I hope one day I can help you make the difference to other young people’s lives. Thank you."

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2012 Awardee: Sarah Park

Receiving this generous support has enabled me to pursue my ambition of becoming a performing pianist. I hope that I might be a fitting ambassador for the Awards.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Edinburgh-born with South Korean heritage, Sarah gained a scholarship to study at the prestigious St Mary’s Music School in 2005. During her time there she distinguished herself as a solo pianist and as a chamber musician.  With her first concerto experience aged 14,  she has since performed in venues across the UK.

Sarah’s talent has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the James Waterhouse Trophy and the Elizabeth Ritchie Medal.  In 2008 she was a finalist at the Edinburgh Competition Festival, where her performance at the Pianothon was broadcast on BBC Radio 3.  She has also taken part in numerous masterclasses, where she has worked with distinguished musicians to develop her skills.

Sarah has performed as a soloist and as part of a trio.  In the summer of 2011, she was one of the few selected from St Mary’s to tour a series of concerts around the Highlands.  She enjoys taking every opportunity to communicate her interpretations of music with an audience, and her ambition is to become a professional performing artist.

How the Award Helped

In 2012, Sarah was offered a place to study on the four-year BMus(Hons) course at the Royal College of Music, London.  Her Dewar Award enable her to accept this opportunity and pursue her ambitions.

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Receiving this generous support has enabled me to pursue my ambition of becoming a performing pianist. I hope that I might be a fitting ambassador for the Awards.

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2012 Awardee: Lliam Paterson

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD:
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Originally from Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Lliam showed an immense aptitude for the piano from a young age.

As an undergraduate, Lliam gained a coveted place to study at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. He proved himself to be an active and dynamic musician in a variety of roles including composer, conductor, recitalist and accompanist. His dedication paid off, and he achieved the outstanding result of a first class honours.

After graduation, Lliam was accepted onto a masters degree in piano accompaniment at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.  This flexible programme offered the opportunity to pursue courses in areas such as composition, conducting and harpsichord.  Lliam received an offer to study composition at New College, Oxford as well Advanced Composition at the Darlington International Summer School.  He was also selected as a repetiteur for the British Youth Opera for the second year in a row.

Lliam shows immense talent and considerable promise for the future.

How the Award Helped

Lliam’s award enabled him to accept his place on the Guildhall Artist Masters in Piano Accompaniment.

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2012 Awardee: Steven Ferguson

I have the chance of a lifetime to study on the National Film and Television School's MA Cinematography. From my teenage years I have dreamed of studying at the course and through a lot of hard work I have reached the point where I have been offered a place!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:http://vimeo.com/stevencferguson
 
 

Biography

Growing up in Cumbernauld, Steven was encouraged from an early age to follow his dreams.  He was instilled with a great sense of ambition and a belief that with hard work and passion you can achieve anything, whatever your background.  Steven’s passion turned out to be film, and he set out to carve himself a career in cinematography.

Supported by a student bursary, Steven completed a BA(Hons) in Digital Film and Television at what was then the RSAMD (now the RCS).  His graduation film, Ghost Story (see below), was screened at the Glasgow Film Festival and received much attention, being nominated for a Royal Television Society Scotland Award and winning ‘Best Fiction’ at the Creative Loop Awards. Steven graduated with a first class degree and has returned to the RCS frequently to support other students as a mentor.  He has also worked freelance as a lighting camera operator.

Steven shows immense capacity for cinematography, making work that is both visually beautiful and thematically sophisticated.  He is an imaginative storyteller who communicates with unique vision, and has been hailed as “a real Scottish talent with unlimited potential”.

As well as honing his craft in film, Steven intends to continue sharing skills and knowledge with up and coming talent.  He says: “I have seen first hand how being taught and passed on knowledge by others with passion for their craft can have a transformative effect – it is through the inspiration and encouragement from my tutors/lecturers that has led to many of my successes so far and put me on the right path.”

How the Award Helped

Steven had always dreamed of studying at the National Film and Television School, and in 2011 he was offered a coveted place on the MA in Cinematography. This presented a fantastic opportunity for Steven to develop his technique in areas such as lighting, composition and writing, and would take him to the next stage of his burgeoning career. The Dewar Arts Awards supported him in taking up the two year course in London.

Since the Award

Steven went from strength to strength at the NFTS. His graduation film earned him a BAFTA Scotland 2015 New Talent Award nomination for Camera/Photography. Entitled Sick, the film tells the story of a lonely, isolated mother (see trailer below).

May 2014 – Article in Variety: Film North nominated for a Student Oscar

April 2015 – BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award Winner 2015: Steven wins Camera/Photography Award and Best New Talent Award for film Sick

Steven’s graduate film Ghost Story from RCS on Vimeo.

Double win at BAFTA Scotland New Talent Awards 2015

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I have the chance of a lifetime to study on the National Film and Television School's MA Cinematography. From my teenage years I have dreamed of studying at the course and through a lot of hard work I have reached the point where I have been offered a place!

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