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.

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.

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.

2023 Awardee: Tessa Mackenzie

Biography

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.

Tessa has worked freelance since graduating, with selected clients including the BBC, Scottish Government, NHS, The Princes Foundation, Mind, Elephant Magazine and University of Edinburgh. She has also been featured by the BBC, Creative Review, It’s Nice That and Wallpaper.

How the Award Helped

Tessa’s Award supported her to explore the technique of acid etching. As Tessa is a self-taught stained glass maker, she didn’t have the opportunity to learn complex techniques in a traditional environment. Her Dewar Award allowed her to seek private tuition, 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.

Since the Award

In August 2024, Tessa opened The Glaziers Arms, a new studio that offers workshops, stained glass windows and glass homewares in Glasgow’s East End.

2022 Awardee: Shubbe Kabanda

The opportunity to study what I am passionate about with support from the Dewar Arts Award is something I am incredibly thankful for and appreciate greatly.

Biography

Born in Glasgow, classical guitarist Shubbe Kabanda has been involved in music from an early age. Initially playing percussion and participating in school and community choirs, she later took up the guitar. During her senior years of secondary education, she was chosen to receive cello lessons, which inspired her to progress down the path of becoming a classical musician. Her season at the Junior Conservatoire reinforced her desire for music and kickstarted her journey into higher education. She is now an undergraduate at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland under the tutelage of Sasha Savaloni.

In 2023, Shubbe achieved runner-up in Glasgow’s Scottish Young Musician Competition at the City Halls. She was part of the 2022 and 2023 Big Guitar Weekend events at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She was also a part of the Glasgow CREATE guitar ensemble, choirs, and percussion ensemble, performing in their Christmas and spring concerts. For the Gold Music Leadership Award in secondary school, she was given the opportunity to work with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, volunteering in the community.

How the Award Helped

Shubbe’s award helped her to purchase a classical guitar and supports her BMus studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

The opportunity to study what I am passionate about with support from the Dewar Arts Award is something I am incredibly thankful for and appreciate greatly.

2023 Awardee: Erin McQuarrie

The Dewar Arts Award has provided vital funding to set up my studio in the Scottish Highlands and purchase essential weaving tools. I would like to sincerely thank the committee for all their encouragement and support.

Biography

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. Through textiles McQuarrie reacts to the everyday – the language of warp and weft is her vocabulary, providing an antithesis to our fast-paced consumerist society, an outlet to explore health and wellbeing, and a platform for historical recovery.

Erin completed her BFA in Textiles at The Glasgow School of Art (2018) and her MFA in Textiles at Parsons School of Design, NYC, on a Fulbright scholarship (2021). Her work has been exhibited in Scotland and internationally, including Jane Lombard Gallery, L’Space Gallery, Mana Contemporary, The Royal Scottish Academy, and New York Textile Month.

How the Award Helped

Support from the Dewar Arts Award enabled Erin to finance an enclosed studio space and acquire essential tools for her practice. By purchasing a Saori floor loom, Erin is able to produce more ambitious textile work at a larger scale than with handmade tools at home. The studio also provides the space needed for lengthy dyeing and weaving processes.

Since the Award

In 2024, Erin presented her first solo show ‘The Time Between The Lights’ at The Briggait in Glasgow.

The Dewar Arts Award has provided vital funding to set up my studio in the Scottish Highlands and purchase essential weaving tools. I would like to sincerely thank the committee for all their encouragement and support.