2016 Awardee: Carol Brown

"I am extremely grateful for the support from The Dewar Arts Awards. This award has made it possible for me to take the next step in the industry, and allowed me to study at the current No.1 film school in the United States."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Brought up on a farm on the outskirts of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, Carol had always had an interest in film and visual storytelling. Intent on pursuing her interests professionally, she gained a place to study a BA in Digital Film and Television at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Carol proved herself to be an outstanding student; patient, tenacious and an explemplary leader.  She graduated in 2013 as recipient of both the Perth Festival of the Arts Award and the Dorothy Innes Prize.

After graduation, Carol worked in Scotland as a production runner on feature films ‘Swung’ (Directed by Collin Kennedy) and ‘Sunset Song’ (Directed by Terence Davies), as well as continuing to produce short films. She then made the move to Manchester to begin her career as a Production Assistant on Britain’s longest running Soap opera ‘Coronation Street’.  Later, she transitioned over to the Casting and Contracts Department for ITV Studios.

In 2016 Carol was offered a place on the renowned Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. This highly competitive MFA program accepts just 24 graduate students from around the world, and develops their skills for careers as Television Showrunners and Studio Executives. She was also the recipient of the 2016 BAFTA LA/ PIGOTT Scholarship.

Carol’s ambition is to develop as an independent producer, working globally between the UK and US.

“Her impressive qualifications and study at the USC Film School promises a very bright future.” – Mark Pigott KBE

How the Award Helped

Carol’s Award enabled her to accept her place for postgraduate study at the University of Southern California.

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"I am extremely grateful for the support from The Dewar Arts Awards. This award has made it possible for me to take the next step in the industry, and allowed me to study at the current No.1 film school in the United States."

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2016 Awardee: Petre Dobre

"To put it simply, this award has totally changed my life."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Petre was born, raised and schooled in Craiova, southern Romania. Whilst at school he developed a love for performance including physical theatre, comedic mime and dance.

Petre joined the school dance group, No Limits, and over a six year period entered multiple competitions and toured both nationally and internationally. The group appeared on numerous TV shows including Romania’s Got Talent, fuelling Petre’s desire to become a professional performer.

Petre lost his hearing as a young child.  Through contact with Glasgow’s Solar Bear Theatre company, he discovered the new course for deaf actors being launched at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2015. With no possibility of vocational performance training for the deaf in Romania, and finding an affinity to the city of Glasgow, . Petre became determined to gain a place on the ground-breaking BA Performance in BSL and English, and set about learning British Sign Language.

After a short audition process he was successfully accepted into the first cohort of the at the RCS, which opened his eyes to the wealth of disciplines and possibilities available in performance. As part of the programme, he was involved in the multi-media presentation ‘Dream On’ at Glasgow University celebrating Shakespeare 400, as well as acting in short films and several plays.

Petre’s dream for the future is to perform in theatre and film. He plans to be based in Scotland – his new home – and to combine his experience of dance and movement with new skills learned at the RCS. He aims to explore new visual theatrical forms of storytelling involving sign language and sign poetry, and to perform internationally.

How the Award Helped

This Award allowed Petre to continue his studies at the RCS, and to fully focus on his ambitions to become a performer. Without this support, he would have struggled to afford to stay in Glasgow and finish his degree.

Petre feels that, as a deaf actor, the opportunities that he has been able to access at the RCS have been exceptional, allowing him to develop skills and experience that he could not have achieved elsewhere. To put it simply, he says. this award has totally changed his life.

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"To put it simply, this award has totally changed my life."

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2016 Awardee: Isabel (Izzy) Stott

"Now that I have received funding to study, I really feel like my life will completely change for the better. I cannot thank you enough. This is not just money in the bank - this is a gateway to a whole new world of opportunity."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://izzystott.wordpress.com/
EMAIL:izzystott@googlemail.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/IsabelStott

Biography

Izzy Stott is a gifted, ambitious and skilful theatre performer. Having trained in contemporary and physical theatre, Izzy was inpired to create performance that is challenging both physically and intellectually, as well as being innovative and honest.

Growing up in a Stirlingshire village, Izzy studied a Diploma in Physical Theatre Practice at Fife College.  She excelled in clown, mask, physical storytelling and devised theatre. From there, she was offered a chance to study on a prestigious, one of a kind physical theatre course at Ecole Philippe Gaulier in France.

Through her ongoing theatre practice, Izzy hopes to communicate ideas with audiences, start social discussions and make people think about the world that surrounds them. She sees art as a beautiful way to connect people and expose issues, acting as a mirror to society in all its beauty and hardships. She believes that it is essential for human understanding, fuelling her dedication to her artistic practice.

In the future. Izzy hopes to set up a theatre company or arts collective that deals with social issues, with the aim to make people’s lives better through performance and art.

How the Award Helped

Izzy’s Award enabled her to study in France under the tutelage of leading physical theatre practitioner Philippe Gaulier.

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"Now that I have received funding to study, I really feel like my life will completely change for the better. I cannot thank you enough. This is not just money in the bank - this is a gateway to a whole new world of opportunity."

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2016 Awardee: Ethan Skuodas

"I feel very privileged to receive this award. The opportunity this award has given me to push myself to become an even better musician I am extremely grateful for."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Ethan began playing percussion and the timpani at the age of 10, and through hard work and talent became a promising young musician with a will to succeed.

After studying at the Junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for two years and performing with the likes of The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the West of Scotland School’s Symphony Orchestra, Ethan chose to continue his studies at the Royal Academy of Music. His teachers include Simon Carrington for timpani and Andrew Barclay for percussion.

Ethan loves to perform, especially in an orchestral setting. He is also keen to encourage others into music and has tutored younger students, instilling his own passions with patience, talent and enthusiasm. On completion of his studies, Ethan is determined to become a principal timpanist on a worldwide stage.

How the Award Helped

Ethan’s Award supported him in his studies at the Royal Academy of Music, helping him fulfil his long-term ambition to become a professional timpanist.

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"I feel very privileged to receive this award. The opportunity this award has given me to push myself to become an even better musician I am extremely grateful for."

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2016 Awardee: Emily Martin

"Without the Dewar Arts Award I wouldn’t have been able to begin studying my MFA in Textiles this year, thus not having access to the necessary space and equipment to develop my skills and ideas. I will always be grateful for this support."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 27
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Emily Martin was born and raised in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.  From there she moved to Edinburgh to commence her undergraduate studies at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Proving herself to be an exceptional student, Emily graduated in 2013 with a First Class Honours Degree in Textiles.  She received the John L Paterson Award for Best Graduating Degree Show, as well as the Worshipful Company of Dyers Prize.

After graduating, Emily stayed in Edinburgh.  She worked for Walker Slater, a local tweed clothing retailer, and for Artlink, an arts and disability organisation. This provided much inspiration and learning for her developing practice.

Emily is a screen-printer at heart, who considers the environmental impact of the process. In 2016 she was accepted onto a two-year MFA course at ECA, enabling her to fully explore the possibilities of natural dyes in textile printmaking.  Her aim is to develop these into sustainable contemporary clothing that will appeal to a wider audience, and also incorporating hand embroidery.  This is Emily’s hand craft of choice and she is passionate about keeping the skill alive and relevant today.

How the Award Helped

Emily received an Award to support her MFA studies at the Edinburgh College of Art.

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"Without the Dewar Arts Award I wouldn’t have been able to begin studying my MFA in Textiles this year, thus not having access to the necessary space and equipment to develop my skills and ideas. I will always be grateful for this support."

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2016 Awardee: JD Stewart

“To be given assistance by The Dewar Arts Award is a tremendous honor and validation of all the hard work I have done over the last year. It has also enabled me to complete my studies at Tisch and for that, I am eternally thankful."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/jdizzlestewart

Biography

Born in Edinburgh and raised in the Scottish Borders, JD Stewart discovered his love of theatre at the Edinburgh Acting School. He went on to develop his passion for the craft alongside his writing skills by completing a BA/Hons in English Studies at Stirling University, specialising in Creative Writing.

After graduating, JD worked in a number of locations throughout England, before moving to South Korea where he taught English for three and a half years. While there, his plays were produced by the Daegu Theatre Company and his stories assisted students learning English in China.

In 2015, JD was one of 22 students worldwide to be accepted onto an MFA in Dramatic Writing at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He was a finalist for the Theatre Aspen Festival in 2016, and his plays have been workshopped and read throughout the city.

JD’s passion for writing extends to television and film, but his heart is in playwrighting. He hopes to continue this journey by exploring his cultural Scottish roots throughout his work.

How the Award Helped

After completing his first year at Tisch School of the Arts through assistance from his parents, JD was awarded with a Dewar Arts Award to help him continue and complete his studies in the Autumn of 2016 and Spring of 2017.

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“To be given assistance by The Dewar Arts Award is a tremendous honor and validation of all the hard work I have done over the last year. It has also enabled me to complete my studies at Tisch and for that, I am eternally thankful."

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2016 Awardee: Andrew Birse

"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for helping me to fulfil my dream of studying violin at a prestigious conservatoire. I am passionate about music and will work hard towards achieving a career in violin performance."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Andrew is a highly dedicated violinist who strives for excellence, and whose dream has always been to become a professional musician of the highest calibre.

Born in Aberdeen, Andrew has played with many local orchestras including the Aberdeen Sinfonietta and the Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra, as well as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He was the deputy leader of the Grampian Youth Orchestra and the principal 2nd violin for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, playing in the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms as part of their tour.

As well as playing in orchestras, Andrew has a great interest in chamber and choral music. He has been a chorister at St. Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen and was a member of the Aberdeen Bach Choir. He has played in various quartets and ensembles, including the Scottish Ensemble on their “Concerts by Candlelight” tour around Scotland.

Andrew gained a place to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.  This provided him with the opportunity to hone his skills and take the next steps towards achieving his dream.

How the Award Helped

Andrew received an Award to support him in his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. This enabled him to develop his skills as a musician, as well as share his ‘fire’ and passion for music with others.

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"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for helping me to fulfil my dream of studying violin at a prestigious conservatoire. I am passionate about music and will work hard towards achieving a career in violin performance."

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2016 Awardee: Harvey Littlefield

"I am extremely grateful to the trustees and all those who have believed in me. Without this award I may not have been able to continue to explore and develop to become the dancer I dream of being. I shall strive to work hard and embrace every moment."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 15
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Growing up in Glasgow, with both parents working in the arts, Harvey was never under any illusions about the dedication needed to pursue a career in ballet. He knew it could be brutal and exhausting, requiring total commitment and focus, but also how fantastic and rewarding this profession could potentially be.

At age 10, Harvey joined Scottish Ballet Junior Associates, where he was first inspired to focus on ballet. He then moved to the Dance School of Scotland, where he graduated in 2016 receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award.

In 2015, Harvey was one of around 200 young people throughout the world to apply to The English National Ballet School. He attended the summer school, and was offered a final audition without having to complete the preliminary stage. He successfully gained a place and became one of only two British boys in his year.

Harvey and his family are incredibly proud of his achievements to date, and feel he could not have done this without the support and commitment from his initial teachers in Scotland.  His ambition is to become a principle dancer in a ballet company, performing the well-loved classical ballets as well as new and exciting works.

How the Award Helped

Harvey’s Award assisted him in his further training, enabling him to build on the opportunities he received in Glasgow, and take him closer to achieving his dream.

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"I am extremely grateful to the trustees and all those who have believed in me. Without this award I may not have been able to continue to explore and develop to become the dancer I dream of being. I shall strive to work hard and embrace every moment."

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2016 Awardee: Robyn Casey

"Without the great help from Dewar Arts Awards I would not have the immense pleasure of being able to pursue this course. When I am at the pinnacle of my career I will be proud to be able to say that Dewar Arts Awards helped me get there.”

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Alexandria, Robyn began studying jazz, tap and ballet dancing at just two years of age. Her dream became to perform in one of her favourite musical theatre shows in the West End.

At the age of 17, Robyn joined Anniesland College to study an HND in Dance. This opened her eyes to other styles of dance as well as choreography.  She went on to audition for the BA Hons in Theatre Dance at London Studio Centre, and was successful in gaining a place.

In order to fundraise for her studies, Robyn taught regular classes in jazz and contemporary dance whilst in Glasgow.  She then supported herself through her first year by working in a local pub. This proved challenging, as she would finish college, work until 2am and then be up at 6:30am for her first class the next day.  The second year was set to be even more physically demanding, and so Robyn applied to the Dewar Arts Awards for financial assistance.

How the Award Helped

Robyn’s Dewar Award enabled her to continue her studies without financial pressure, allowing her to fully apply herself to achieving her ambitions.

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"Without the great help from Dewar Arts Awards I would not have the immense pleasure of being able to pursue this course. When I am at the pinnacle of my career I will be proud to be able to say that Dewar Arts Awards helped me get there.”

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2016 Awardee: Matt Wilson

"I am delighted and deeply grateful to be given the Dewar Award. It will definitely allow me to expand my practise as an artist even further, at the Royal College of Art."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Matt Wilson is an innovative printmaker, whose practice investigates digital and analogue print methods through art and design methodologies.

Matt’s work explores the tension between two forces meeting in opposition, and how balance can exist within this tension. In his practice, these forces have manifested themselves as the relationship between the man-made and the natural, as social hostility, and as cultural conflict.

Matt graduated with a degree in Fine Art, from the University of Dundee, where he specialised in printmaking. During his degree, he was selected for the 2014 RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition, and was awarded the Walter Scott Global Investment Award and the Art in Healthcare Purchase Prize.

Matt has exhibited in galleries across the UK, including the Hatton Gallery (Newcastle) and The Fleming Collection (London).

How the Award Helped

Matt’s Award supported him in studying the MA Fine Art Print course at the Royal College of Art.

Since the Award

2014 Walter Scott Global Investment Award
2014 Art in Healthcare Purchase Prize
RSA New Contemporaries 2014: Selected Artist
2013 Frameworks Prize

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"I am delighted and deeply grateful to be given the Dewar Award. It will definitely allow me to expand my practise as an artist even further, at the Royal College of Art."

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