2010 Awardee: Rebecca Donnelly

This means so much to me and has enabled me to stay at college and follow my dream.

Biography

Born and brought up in Glasgow, Rebecca stood out from an early age as possessing talent in acting, singing and dancing. As she developed, her dedication and commitment matched her talent and enthusiasm. Rebecca gained an A in Higher Music, scoring the highest possible mark for her singing exam.

Rebecca’s ambition is to perform on the main musical theatre stages of the world. Her tutors and mentors feel that this is a realistic ambition, given her exceptional triple threat qualities.

As part of the dance troupe “The Fusion”, Rebecca performed on live TV in the semi-finals of “Britain’s Got Talent” and later at the Glasgow show and also with “The X Factor” tour.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will support Rebecca as she begins her studies in dance and musical theatre at the Bird College, Kent. Demonstrating good progress, Rebecca’s funding has been continued into a second year.

This means so much to me and has enabled me to stay at college and follow my dream.

2010 Awardee: Kathryn Elkin

I am absolutely delighted that you have considered my application to be worthy of support.

Biography

From Belfast, Kathryn has spent nine years in Scotland, first as a visual art student at the Glasgow School of Art and later working and taking an active part in Glasgow’s vibrant cultural scene in both visual arts and music.

In 2008 she curated the successful exhibition ‘Moot Points’ in the Transmission Gallery which is described as a “watershed moment in re-evaluating the activities of the organisation after its twenty-year history”. Kathryn went on to curate an exciting series of talks and presentations by artists at the Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow. She has shown her own work in Transmission, performed readings at Cove Park and CCA Glasgow and been published in the journal 2HB, Gnomerro (ed. Sarah Tripp) and, most recently, Options With Nostrils.

At the Glasgow International 2010, Kathryn was one of four artists who exhibited at ‘Sym-po-zeum’ in the Mitchell Library as part of “Open Glasgow”. She has been accepted onto the Goldsmith’s College MFA course in Art Writing, which ideally suits the development of her own work as a text-based visual artist.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will enable Kathryn to pursue an MFA on a part-time basis at Goldsmiths.

After a successful first year at Goldsmiths, Kathryn’s award was extended for a second year to enable her to complete an MFA part-time.

I am absolutely delighted that you have considered my application to be worthy of support.

2010 Awardee: James Gardner

This is an extremely exciting time for me, none of what is about to happen to me … would have been possible without your support.

Biography

Glasgow-born James has wanted to study fashion at Central St Martin’s for as long as he can remember. He studied textiles and surface design at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, from where he graduated with a first-class degree.

While an undergraduate, James was a finalist in the UK Knitting Association Student Competition and received an Arts Vacation Scholarship from The Cross Trust to undertake research in Sri Lanka. In his final year he won the Society of Dyers and Colorists design competition.

After graduation, James went on to work as UK colourist with Berluti, London, where he impressed with his maturity and grasp of colour. He worked on developing new colours for their product collection shoes and accessories. He has also worked for Mumo, a fair-trade fabric company as a textile and product stylist and consultant.

James has had his work shown on the catwalk at the Clotheshow Live and Dressed to Kilt event in New York, hosted by Sir Sean Connery. He was offered a place on the masters degree course at Central St Martins which will allow him to show his first major fashion collection as part of London Fashion Week.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will contribute towards the substantial fees and living expenses to study at Central St Martins.

This is an extremely exciting time for me, none of what is about to happen to me … would have been possible without your support.

2010 Awardee: Jennifer Gray

I would like to express my gratitude to the trust for awarding me with such a generous grant and assure you that I will be entering my studies in London with full enthusiasm and total dedication to justify the faith shown to me by the Dewar Arts Awards.

Biography

Motherwell born and bred, Jennifer graduated with a first-class degree from the Glasgow School of Art in 2006. Since then she has lived and worked in Glasgow, London and the Isle of Skye on various collaborative design projects.

Her work has been shown at Dazzle, Gallery Marzee (Holland), The Collins Gallery (Glasgow), The Roger Billcliffe Gallery (Glasgow) and Goldsmith’s Hall. In 2006 she won the Joint Incorporation of Hammersmith Memorial Prize and since then has won a host of awards and bursaries in recognition of her work.

Until recently Jennifer was a part-time lecturer with Glasgow Metropolitan College and Artist in Residence at the Jewellry and Silversmithing Department of the Glasgow School of Art. The work produced as part of the residency is on show in the AIR10 exhibition in galleries throughout the UK.

Jennifer is already acknowledged as a fine jeweller, but is considered to be equally talented as a draughtswoman and as a sculptor. She has recently completed a successful commission for a series of silver ‘beasties’ to serve as table place-markers and based on the Queen’s Beasts.

Jennifer has been accepted onto the highly prestigious MA course in Silversmithing at the Royal College of Art, London. For further information about Jennifer’s work, see www.jennifergray.co.uk.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Awards will help support Jennifer during her postgraduate studies at RCA. After demonstrating excellent progress in the first year, Jennifer’s award was extended for a second and final year.

I would like to express my gratitude to the trust for awarding me with such a generous grant and assure you that I will be entering my studies in London with full enthusiasm and total dedication to justify the faith shown to me by the Dewar Arts Awards.

2010 Awardee: Deborah Hannan

I am overwhelmed by the award and the opportunities and possibilities it presents me with. I cannot overstate my gratitude to the panel, nor the degree to which this award profoundly and richly alters my life.

Biography

Born and brought up in Edinburgh, Deborah graduated in 2009 from Edinburgh University with a first-class degree in English Literature. While still an undergraduate she was actively involved in making theatre, primarily with the unfunded Edinburgh University group Theatre Paradok. Her ambition is to establish herself in Scotland as a theatre director.

After graduation, Deborah joined a two-year programme with the Traverse Young Writers’ Group where she wrote several short scripts and had a piece workshopped as part of their ‘First Bite’ script development. She is considered to be both an exceptionally talented and intelligent dramatist emerging onto the Scottish theatre scene. Her work is seen to be distinctive, with a strong commitment to experiment and risk-taking.

Deborah received an award from the Edinburgh University Department of English Literature to create a large site-specific version of the Grimm’s Fairy Tales in Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall. The panel included Ben Harrison and Douglas Maxwell of Grid Iron. She has had a long-term connection with the circus troupe Te Roaka.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award assists Deborah to study for an MA in Directing at RSAMD, Glasgow.

Since the Award

Deborah graduated with an MA in Directing with a well-deserved distinction. Deborah describes her year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly ‘RSAMD’) as ‘long and fruitful’ which took her from having an ambition to be a director to becoming one. She is considered to be an intelligent, creative and original director who has a bright future ahead of her.

I am overwhelmed by the award and the opportunities and possibilities it presents me with. I cannot overstate my gratitude to the panel, nor the degree to which this award profoundly and richly alters my life.

2010 Awardee: Taylor MacLennan

I would just like to thank you for my Dewar Arts Award. This award will be extremely helpful towards the costs of my first year at the Royal College of Music.

Biography

Glasgow-born Taylor is a flautist of immense talent. While still a pupil at St Mary’s Music School he distinguished himself as a performer and won a raft of prestigious prizes, including the 2008 Director’s Recital Prize at St Mary’s, 1st prize for under 19’s from the British Flute Society in 2010, and the Traves Trophy at the Edinburgh Festival Competition.

Taylor is a member of both the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, for whom he is also principal flute, and NYOS and participated as a chamber music performer in the 2009 International Youth Festival in Aberdeen. Described by one teacher as ‘every music teacher’s dream pupil’, Taylor has both raw musical ability and great enthusiasm for making music. As well as being an accomplished soloist, Taylor is considered to be a great chamber and orchestral musician.

Taylor has been accepted into the Royal College of Music in London to study with the head of woodwind, Simon Channing. Taylor writes that he has “a great love for music. I enjoy performing and sharing my passion with others and cannot imagine any career other than music.”

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards Taylor’s substantial costs to study in London.

After a successful first year at RCM, Taylor’s award was extended for a second year.

I would just like to thank you for my Dewar Arts Award. This award will be extremely helpful towards the costs of my first year at the Royal College of Music.

2010 Awardee: Ben McAteer

This award will make a huge difference to my studies next year, and also in my ability to fund myself in terms of living costs in London.

Biography

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Ben was an undergraduate at St Andrews University, where he held the Cedric Thorpe Davie Vocal Scholarship for five years and was senior choral scholar at Holy Trinity Church.

While still an undergraduate, Ben performed as a concert soloist with numerous groups across Fife and Central Scotland, in works including Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s St John Passion, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, Haydn’s Nelson Mass and Requiems by Duruflé, Fauré and Mozart. He was also very involved with St Andrews’ Opera and sang the roles of Aeneas in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Sir Henry Milhouse in Roger Scruton’s The Minister and Tarquinius in Britten’s Rape of Lucretia. He also worked extensively with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society both as a soloist and musical director.

Ben was considered to be one of the most outstanding singers who had studied at St Andrews in over 25 years and his bass solo in Handel’s Messiah was described as “perfection”. Ben moves to London to continue his vocal studies.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Awards will help him pursue a Master of Vocal Performance at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

At the end of his first year, Ben successfully auditioned for the Guildhall Opera Course and was moved onto the Advanced Certificate in Opera course. His award was extended for a second and final year to enable him to complete a MMus in Vocal Performance.

This award will make a huge difference to my studies next year, and also in my ability to fund myself in terms of living costs in London.

2010 Awardee: Ross Mcinroy

I am very excited about the possibilities and opportunities available to me this year and fully intend to embrace it and make the very most of it. I fully appreciate that all this would not be possible without the generous support of the Dewar Arts Awards. I am so very thankful for your help.

Biography

Dundee born Ross grew up in Arbroath in Angus. He began his musical training with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, featuring as a soloist on their CD of Scots songs. He studied singing at RSAMD, graduating with a BMus, went on to study opera at the Royal Academy of Music and later at the Royal College of Music’s International Opera School.

During these years of training, Ross has been watched with interest by Scottish Opera. He possesses a real bass voice which is rare in the UK and which observers believe is capable of reaching a high level of performance.

In his first year at the Royal Academy, Ross performed in three of the Academy’s productions, including the role of Collatinus in The Rape of Lucretia, where his performance was judged to be ‘outstanding’. In his second year, he sang Barolo in Le Nozze di Figaro, under Sir Colin Davies. During his time at the Royal College of Music, Ross performed with distinction, singing roles as diverse and demanding as Sarastro, Quince and Krusina.

Ross has been offered a place at the prestigious National Opera Studio, London, the studio from which many a stellar career in opera has been launched. The trustees have also watched Ross’s progress with great interest and have been delighted to be able to help with his postgraduate training, both at the RAM and later at the RCM’s Opera School.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards the costs of studying at the National Opera Studio in London.

Since the Award

During his year at the National Opera Studio, Ross successfully auditioned for the role of Leporello in Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Opera della Luna where he performed it as part of the 2011 Iford Arts Festival.

Later in the year, he successfully auditioned for the Emerging Artist scheme at the Scottish Opera. Ross says of his final year at NOS that “I felt like I had never worked so hard but equally I had never been so motivated to do so.”

I am very excited about the possibilities and opportunities available to me this year and fully intend to embrace it and make the very most of it. I fully appreciate that all this would not be possible without the generous support of the Dewar Arts Awards. I am so very thankful for your help.

2010 Awardee: Louis Paxton

I wish to express my thanks and gratitude at such a generous offer

Biography

Budding film-maker Louis Paxton has won a place at the prestigious NFTS. He already has an impressive track record in film, his films having been screened in numerous international film festivals. Amongst the awards his work has garnered are a National Royal Television Society award for Choreomania and the audience award at the Jim Poole Scottish Short Film Award competition in 2010 for his short film Fool Proof.

Louis studied TV Operations at Edinburgh’s Telford College before going on to further training in film at RSAMD where he was considered to be a first-class student. His work has won several awards and accolades and he is seen as an exciting new voice in Scottish film. Louis brings to film both humour and style and is a Scottish talent to watch.

Louis joins a growing group of exciting Scottish talent in film which the trustees have been delighted to support.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will contribute to the substantial costs to pursue an MA in Directing Fiction at the NFTS, Beaconsfield.

After a very successful first year at NFTS, the trustees were pleased to extend their support of Louis into the second and final year.

I wish to express my thanks and gratitude at such a generous offer

2010 Awardee: Ruth Paxton

I am extremely grateful and indebted to the trust for their generosity and for making it possible for me to pursue this opportunity in London.

Biography

Edinburgh born and bred, Ruth Paxton is an impassioned young Scottish filmmaker.

After gaining a degree from Edinburgh College of Art, Ruth graduated in 2007 from the Screen Academy Scotland with a post-graduate diploma in film. Since then she has developed her skills by writing, directing, producing and designing for an eclectic mix of film projects, including fiction, non-fiction, experimental film and music video.

At heart a writer/director, Ruth’s most successful film to date has been ‘She Wanted To Be Burnt’, which has been exhibited and nominated in competition in festivals across the UK and Europe, including screenings in Australia, India and China. In 2009, Ruth was commissioned by DigiCult with her short film ‘PARIS/SEXY’, which was premiered at the 64th EIFF, where it was nominated for the UK Film Council Best British Short film. The cinematographer was fellow Dewar Award Winner David Liddell.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award funded Ruth to attend the Directors’ Series short course at the prestigious NFTS in Beaconsfield.

Since the Award

Ruth writes that the course “not only met with my expectations, but exceeded them….. I have gained knowledge and ‘tools’ with which to approach new projects.” One of her tutors writes that “from the first exercise on camera, Ruth demonstrated she had a strong, individual and unusual cinematic and aesthetic talent … she showed remarkable development of ability and understanding of dramatic narrative.” Shortly after the course, Ruth went to the Toronto Film Festival to participate in a Talent Lab. In 2011, Ruth’s film PARIS/SEXY was winner of the UKFC Best Short Film Award at the 8th London Short Film Festival. Congratulations, Ruth!

I am extremely grateful and indebted to the trust for their generosity and for making it possible for me to pursue this opportunity in London.