2012 Awardee: Allan Wilson

I am humbled by the faith that has been shown in my work and will...make the most of the time and freedom afforded to me by the Dewar Arts Awards

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 27
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.allanwilsonbooks.com/
EMAIL:allan.wilson@hotmail.co.uk
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/mrallanwilson

Biography

Allan is a talented writer with enormous potential. In 2010, his work was selected from hundreds of applicants to appear in an anthology of stories entitled The Year of Open Doors. The book was edited by renowned author Dr Rodge Glass, who sought to showcase the best in young Scottish writing. He describes Allan as “one of the finest young literary voices in Scotland”.

To develop his skills, Allan enrolled on the Creative Writing Masters Degree Course at Strathclyde University. In 2012, he released his debut collection of short stories, Wasted in Love. This received much critical acclaim, with broadsheet newspapers and established authors praising Allan’s technical ability, honesty and originality. The book was shortlisted for the Scottish Book of the Year 2012.

Based in Glasgow, Allan runs workshops and performs regularly at spoken word events.

“Allan takes risks with his writing. He does not opt for commercial, feelgood material, but instead explores the complexity of human relationships, in all their darkness and ambiguity. His use of language is judicious, sharp and powerful; he has already developed a disciplined editorial eye. He balances humour with shock, warmth with intensity, and as a result Wasted in Love has proven to be one of the best collections of short-stories published in Scotland in the last few years.” Alan Bissett

How the Award Helped

Allan received a Dewar Award to support the writing of his first novel, The Astronaut.

Since the Award

Shortlisted for the Scottish Book Trust Awards 2012

Review of Wasted in Love in The Scotsman

Allan Wilson performing live at Words Per Minute

Allan performing at Literary Death Match

Wasted in Love

“★★★★ A compelling selection of short stories. The characters are vividly brought to life by Wilson’s powerful writing and terse dialogue.” Daily Express

“Out-Joyces Joyce with his celebration of the mundane. This is a writer who pays attention and writes with such vigilance and diligent compassion that you admire and hope for more.” The Scotsman

“Quite frankly, it’s a brilliant book, well crafted, authentic and necessary.” The Skinny

“reads like the real thing… a terrific debut anthology.” Tom Leonard

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I am humbled by the faith that has been shown in my work and will...make the most of the time and freedom afforded to me by the Dewar Arts Awards

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2012 Awardee: Adil Iqbal

My aim is to push the boundaries of arts and crafts...through collaboration between communities

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.adildesign.co.uk/
EMAIL:info@adildesign.co.uk
 

Biography

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Adil studied Clothing Design and Manufacture at Heriot Watt University. Since graduating he has built up an impressive portfolio.

Adil’s designs have been showcased at celebrated fashion weeks in London and New York. He has worked with high profile labels including TataNaka and Hugo Boss and has been featured in Vogue. He now runs his own label Adil Design.

Through his work, Adil explores themes of society, culture and time. He incorporates “echos of his travels and his Pakistani heritage”. He has a passion for cross cultural collaboration that promotes the sharing of knowledge and skills.

How the Award Helped

Funding from the Dewar Arts Awards will support Adil’s project work connecting weavers of the Outer Hebrides with embroiderers of Chital, Pakistan. Adil aims to develop an exchange of ideas and techniques, establishing a craft dialogue between the two regions. A series of workshops in Scotland and Pakistan will produce innovative design work consisting of collages, hand drawings, embroidery and digital printed fabrics. Celtic Folklore will be interpreted and translated into contemporary hand-loomed textiles, culminating in a travelling exhibition.

Through this project, Adil hopes to create a bridge between communities and promote cultural awareness between Scotland and Pakistan.

Since the Award

2008 Vogue Feature
2009 Scotsman Feature
2012 Scotsman Feature

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My aim is to push the boundaries of arts and crafts...through collaboration between communities

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2012 Awardee: Alistair Hewitt

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 12
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Growing up in Barrhead, Glasgow, Alistair began his studies as an accordionist at the Paisley Academy of Music. He has shown great promise as a musician, winning numerous competitions at a regional and national level.

Alistair plays with an accordion showband at home and abroad. The group have toured Germany and have performed at Disneyland in Florida.

Although Alistair is partially sighted, he does not let this hold him back. He is hardworking and dedicated to developing his skills as a musician.

How the Award Helped

Alistair’s award will cover the cost of his accordion lessions for a year. He plans to enter additional competitions at an international level during this time.

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2012 Awardee: Chris Dyson

I cannot begin to imagine the impact this opportunity will have on my practice and the formation of my research

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: , , , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Originally from Pudsey in West Yorkshire, Chris moved to Scotland in 2001. He studied at The Glasgow School of Art where he explored his passion for sculpture and film. He has been described as a skilled maker with a uniquely creative eye.

Since graduating from GSA in 2005, Chris has been actively involved in many artist-run spaces and research groups in the city. He has also contributed to numerous exhibitions at home and abroad, including shows at the DCA and CCA. He has made a strong contribution to the dialogue surrounding contemporary Scottish art.

In 2010, Chris was awarded a Professional Development Grant from Creative Scotland. In 2011, he was selected for the Scottish Screen Archive.

How the Award Helped

Chris has been granted a prized scholarship to study an MFA at CalArts, California. His Dewar Award will provide financial support to enable him to benefit from this fantastic opportunity.

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I cannot begin to imagine the impact this opportunity will have on my practice and the formation of my research

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2012 Awardee: Gavin McCaig

The award has been invaluable for me. Without the support of Dewar Awards I would have been unable to complete my 3 years at ENB School.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD:
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:http://bio.site/gav
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/gavmcc15

Biography

Gavin is from Motherwell in Scotland and trained at The Dance School of Scotland and English National Ballet School. Alongside his studies, he worked part-time with the Dance School at the Royal Academy of Dance.

Gavin joined Northern Ballet upon his graduation in 2014 and in 2020 was promoted to Junior Soloist. He has danced several leading roles including Acolyte in Jean-Christophe Malliot’s Romeo and Juliet, Athos in David Nixon CBE’s The Three Musketeers and Tom in David Nixon CBE’s The Great Gatsby, Dr. Seward in David Nixon CBE’s Dracula, St. John in Cathy Marston’s Jane Eyre and John Brown in Cathy Marston’s Victoria and Drosselmeyer in David Nixon CBE’s The Nutcracker.

Gavin’s coaching experience has found him leading classes and workshops for Northern Ballet, Royal Academy of Dance, Scottish Ballet’s Associate Programme, Darlington Hippodrome, The Ballet Retreat, London Studio Centre, Moorland International Ballet Academy and Conservatorio de Dance do Vale do Sousa in Portugal. He also sits on the board of Yorkshire Dance in Leeds, an ACE-funded charity which invites people who normally have little access to dance to experience its transformational power.

How the Award Helped

Gavin’s award supported him in his studies at the English National Ballet School.

Since the Award

In 2019 he was commissioned to create a short film for Northern Ballet’s Digital Platform, Silenced, which went on to win Best Dance Short at the New Renaissance Film Festival in London. In 2021, his first ballet specifically for young people, Pinocchio, premiered for Northern Ballet in Leeds before a substantial nationwide tour. More recently, he choreographed a new narrative work for Images 2022, Assembly Line, which toured to several venues including Lilian Baylis at Sadler’s Wells.

In 2023, Gavin directed and choreographed a reimagined Snow White for London Children’s Ballet which opened at the Peacock Theatre in London followed by Journey, a new narrative work to celebrate Elmhurst Ballet School’s centenary.

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The award has been invaluable for me. Without the support of Dewar Awards I would have been unable to complete my 3 years at ENB School.

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2012 Awardee: Peter Longworth

With the help of a Dewar Award, I will be able to attend an institution as prestigious as the Royal College of Music, which [will] increase my possibilities as a composer and enable me to work with some of the UK's most talented young musicians.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.peterlongworthcomposer.com/
 
TWITTER: https://www.tritter.com/peterflongworth

Biography

A former principal trumpet of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, Peter gained a scholarship in 2008 to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.  He has since become an outstanding young composer working at the very highest level, and has been offered a scholarship to study an MMus in Composition at the Royal College of Music (RCM).

Peter music has been performed in many venues across the UK, Europe and Canada.  He has received an impressive number of commissions from a wide range of organisations and groups, including NYOS Futures (the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland’s contemporary music ensemble), the Edinburgh Incidental Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Scottish Schools’ Orchestra Trust, Bella Tromba and Trio d’ART.

Peter’s ambition is to become an important figure in Scottish contemporary music.  He believes that through studying with the world-class professors working at the RCM, he can fully realise his potential as a composer.

Peter Longworth

How the Award Helped

Peter’s award will help to fund his masters in composition at the RCM.

Premier of Peter Longworth’s Colori di Roma at the Caledonian Club in 2009, performed by Bella Tromba. It has since been performed in Poland, Canada and Scotland.

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With the help of a Dewar Award, I will be able to attend an institution as prestigious as the Royal College of Music, which [will] increase my possibilities as a composer and enable me to work with some of the UK's most talented young musicians.

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2012 Awardee: Ella Victoria Robb (Victoria Marella Leech)

To quote one of my favourite Musical Theatre songs; "I may be small, but I have giant plans to shine as brightly as the sun". Thanks to the Dewar Arts Award, my dreams are just beginning!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://ellavrobb.wix.com/ellavictoriarobb
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/ellavrobb

Biography

Born in Glasgow, Ella became a member of the Scottish Youth Theatre from a young age.  Progressing through the company and building her skills, she demonstrated a commitment to learning her craft and to pursuing a career in the arts.  It was her enthusiasm, supportive nature and talent which gained her an invite to join the SYT’s high quality performance group, SYT Productions.

A skilled young performer, Ella is exceptionally talented in acting, singing and dancing, as well as playing the bagpipes and violin. It was her skills in these areas that led her to being employed as an assistant for the SYT’s weekly workshops.

Ella has a desire to be the best she can possibly be, and training is extremely important to her. She takes every opportunity to learn new skills and to experience new things. She is willing to take risks and has shown she has the talent, energy and drive necessary to succeed.

https://www.facebook.com/EVRobb

How the Award Helped

Ella gained a place on the highly competitive BA(Hons) in Musical Theatre at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.  Her Dewar Arts Award helped to fund her studies.

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To quote one of my favourite Musical Theatre songs; "I may be small, but I have giant plans to shine as brightly as the sun". Thanks to the Dewar Arts Award, my dreams are just beginning!

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2012 Awardee: Bethany Crockett

It is such an honor to be associated with the Dewar Arts Award, and I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to develop and push myself to become a dynamic and successful musician.

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

Biography

Bethany began playing piano at the age of seven, and through commitment and talent has since become a highly skilled musician.

Bethany excelled in her Grade 8 piano (ABRSM) at age fifteen.  She then went on to study at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh and achieved the school’s highest award, winning the Directors’ Recital Prize in June 2012. After just one year at St Mary’s, she gained a scholarship to attend the Royal Northern College of Music under the tutelage of renowned piano teacher Helen Krizos.

Bethany finds performing to be an exciting and rewarding experience.  The depth of feeling and sensitivity she lends to the music has gained her numerous awards, as well as the Alex Watters Bursary at the Aberdeen Music Festival. She is determined to carve out a career as a professional pianist.

How the Award Helped

Bethany received a Dewar Arts Award to support her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music.

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It is such an honor to be associated with the Dewar Arts Award, and I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to develop and push myself to become a dynamic and successful musician.

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2012 Awardee: Lyndsey Gilmour

Without the generous support from Dewar Arts Awards I would have been unable to take my place on the MFA Painting course at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art. I am eternally grateful for their generosity and continued support.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

An especially skilled and talented painter, Lyndsey creates work on canvas and “crumbling sash windows”.

Orginally from Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, Lyndsey’s family moved several times before settling in Overtown, North Lanarkshire. In 2006, Lyndsey was offered a place to study at the prestigious Gray’s School of Art. Gaining insight in a wide range of areas including printmaking, sculpture, textiles and photography, Lyndsey chose to specialise in painting.

Whilst still a student, Lyndsey’s talent was recognised by the selectors of the RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition. Her fine handling of paint stood out and earned her a much sought after place in the 2011 Edinburgh show.  Lyndsey continued her independent practice in Glasgow-based artist studios and has now exhibited work in galleries across Britain, receiving special commendations.

In 2012, Lyndsey was accepted onto a world-class post-graduate course at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. Alumni include Anthony Gormley, Stanley Spencer and Tactita Dean.  This offered an exceptional opportunity to develop her skills and profile as an artist.

Lyndsey aspires to exhibit her artwork internationally and to create exciting shows that inspire younger generations.  She is also keen to develop her teaching practice, encouraging other young artists to “find their artistic voice within the contemporary art field”.

How the Award Helped

Lyndsey’s Dewar Award enabled her to accept her place on the MFA course at the Slade School of Fine Art.

Since the Award

June 2010: Review in The Scotsman

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Without the generous support from Dewar Arts Awards I would have been unable to take my place on the MFA Painting course at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art. I am eternally grateful for their generosity and continued support.

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2012 Awardee: James Hardie

The Award has made it financially possible to study at my chosen institution, and with this I have had the freedom to take full advantage of the vast range of possibilities open to a musician both in Oxford, and further afield; possibilities I believe would not exist elsewhere. For this I am hugely grateful.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 17
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

James was born into a creative family.  His father teaches violin and the family also run a small press, publishing Scottish and classical music.

From the age of nine, James knew that music was the path he wanted to pursue.  As a chorister in Edinburgh, he learned to play the organ and through this displayed a high level of musicality, intelligence and dedication.  His dream was to gain an organ scholarship to study at Oxford University.  In 2012 he realised this ambition and gained a prized scholarship to Keble College.

How the Award Helped

James received a Dewar Arts Award to support his studies, enabling him to accept his place at Oxford.

Since the Award

2013: Having passed the first year of his course with Distinction, James was awarded an academic scholarship by his college. He has proved himself to be an active member of the musical life of the college, directing choirs and chamber ensembles as well as planning and directing a five-day Early Music Festival.

James now intends to pursue a career that allows him to combine academic work with practical musicianship.  He hopes to undertake a masters in Musicology and a doctorate that would allow him to go into teaching and research at university level.

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The Award has made it financially possible to study at my chosen institution, and with this I have had the freedom to take full advantage of the vast range of possibilities open to a musician both in Oxford, and further afield; possibilities I believe would not exist elsewhere. For this I am hugely grateful.

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