2015 Awardee: Thomas Henderson

The support of the Dewar Arts Award allowed me to complete the necessary study to take my career to the next level. I have returned from it a more confident and prepared professional.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
EMAIL:director@magneticopera.co.uk
 

Biography

Thomas is young Scottish opera stage director based in Edinburgh. He studied at St Mary’s Music School, and went on to find his inspiration for the art-form whilst directing for the Aberdeen University Opera as an undergraduate. He continued to develop his craft by studying at the Accedemia Europea di Firenze in Italy, focusing on Italian opera.

Thomas is a trained musician, singer and English teacher, who speaks Italian and French.  This rounded background provides the perfect combination of qualities for his chosen career.  He has a flair for communicating, and is able to elicit natural and fluent performances from his cast.

Thomas has directed productions for the Edinburgh Studio Opera and Magnetic Opera, and has showcased work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2012, Alongside this he has gained professional experience including a two month ‘observership’ with the Scottish Opera, and has ambitions to write and produce his own material.

How the Award Helped

Thomas’ Award enabled him to study a course in Opera Directing with Rudolfo Tomasi at the Accedemia Europea in Florence.

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The support of the Dewar Arts Award allowed me to complete the necessary study to take my career to the next level. I have returned from it a more confident and prepared professional.

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2015 Awardee: Scot Baldie

The award that I received from the trust was invaluable in allowing me to commence with my training at the Central School of Ballet...I would like to take this opportunity to thank the trust for my award.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 15
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and brought up in Glasgow, Scot joined the Dance School of Scotland in 2011, having never had a dance lesson in his life.  Whilst there he performed in the Scottish Ballet’s staging of Hansel and Gretel as well as in venues such as the King’s Theatre, the Theatre Royal and the Royal Concert Hall.

After just three and a half years at the Dance School he audiitioned for the Central School of Ballet in London.  He was successful, and became the only member of his year group to gain a place at this prestigious institution.

Scot has natural movement, co-ordination and stamina, which has enabled him to develop an outstanding technique in a short time. Coupled with his dedicated work ethic, Scot demonstrates the qualities necessary to achieve at the highest level.

How the Award Helped

Scot’s Award enabled him to attend the Central School of Ballet and continue to develop his talents.

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The award that I received from the trust was invaluable in allowing me to commence with my training at the Central School of Ballet...I would like to take this opportunity to thank the trust for my award.

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2015 Awardee: Anna Orton

With such a hands-on course I know I will build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to successfully develop my career in Theatre Design.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born in Edinburgh, Anna grew up in a small village in Midlothian. In 2003 she was accepted onto the Fine Art course at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and has lived in Dundee ever since.  She has supported herself throughout her studies by working multiple jobs, whilst always pushing herself to develop her own highly successful art practice.

Anna’s talents as an artist and educator were recognised by her university tutors, and she was invited to teach on the Contemporary Art Practice course at Perth College UHI.  During her time there she introduced many inspiring and innovative projects to the students she worked with, and demonstrated a natural ability to bring out the best in them. Her vast knowledge, understanding and experience of contemporary art techniques and concepts proved invaluable.

Anna has a passion for theatrical art, with strong skills in technical drawing, painting, large scale sculpture and small to-scale model making. Her ambition to explore her art in a theatrical context was fuelled by her work with the Dundee Rep, and in 2015 she applied for a Masters in Theatre Design at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She successfully gained a place – one of only four applicants to achieve this.

How the Award Helped

Anna’s Award enabled her to accept her place to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre.  This specialist masters course offers the ideal opportunity to develop the necessary skills to pursue her chosen career path.

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With such a hands-on course I know I will build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to successfully develop my career in Theatre Design.

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2015 Awardee: Rhys McKenna

"The Dewar awards sent me on a great learning experience and I am extremely grateful."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://rhysmckenna.wix.com/rhysmckenna
EMAIL:rhysjaypeter@gmail.com
 

Biography

Rhys McKenna is an exceptional talent in the field of fashion, whose enthusiasm and dedication has earned him exceptional opportunities to work internationally. He has gathered inspiration in Edinburgh, New York and Beijing, with projects and internships for major names such as Michael Kors, MacKintosh and H&M.

Born in Stirling, Scotland, Rhys developed a passion for fashion design from an early age.  Whilst Head Boy at Stirling High School he reinvented the house identities as a project, and also cites his 15 years of participation in Tae Kwon Do as an influence on his work.

In 2012, Rhys began studying fashion at the University of Edinburgh. Throughout his studies, he supported himself financially by selling paintings, working in Slaters Menswear and providing academic tuition. This strong work ethic is something that he also applies to his practice and development as a fashion designer.

Rhys specialises in menswear. His ambition is to pursue a career in outerwear and tailoring, with postgraduate studies in Menswear Design and Design Informatics.

How the Award Helped

Rhys’ Dewar Arts Award enabled him to undertake an internship in New York with the prestigious fashion company, Rochambeau.

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"The Dewar awards sent me on a great learning experience and I am extremely grateful."

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2015 Awardee: Daniel Griffin

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Dewar Awards, as without your financial support my studies in New York City would not have been possible."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
EMAIL:dan.griffin1991@gmail.com
 

Biography

Born in Stirling, Daniel has always dreamed of becoming a professional musician. At 8 years old he began learning both piano and bass guitar, and went on to play in bands as well as singing with many choirs. After leaving high school he studied piano at Stevenson College Edinburgh, achieving an ABRSM Grade 8 with distinction. In 2011 he then joined the BMus (Hons) course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and graduated with a First Class Honours.

During his time at RCS, Daniel had an opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship with the BBC SSO.  He joined them for their 2014 Tour of India and played concerts in Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. Daniel now plays with the BBC SSO as a frequent freelancer and in August 2015 was involved in their four Proms concerts in the Royal Albert Hall.

Daniel’s passion is for the double bass.  Through his determination and hard work he was accepted to study a Master of Music at the internationally renowned Manhattan School of Music in New York, with tuition from Tim Cobb, Principal Double Bass of the New York Philharmonic.

How the Award Helped

Although Daniel was offered a generous scholarship from the Manhattan School of Music, he was unable to cover the additional costs associated with accepting his masters place.  Daniel’s Dewar Award provided him with the additional funds necessary to access this opportunity, and to fully benefit from his placement at this prestigious institution.

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"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Dewar Awards, as without your financial support my studies in New York City would not have been possible."

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2015 Awardee: Luke Angus

"The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me the creative freedom to push my talents further and let me explore the depths of my ability. Without this award it would not have been financially viable for me to enrol in a Masters program and push my skillset to a more professional level. For that, I am truly grateful."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and raised on the West Coast of Scotland, Luke Angus excelled at art during high school. He achieved one of the top grades in Scotland for his Higher Art piece, which was displayed at the Edinburgh Art Gallery’s ‘The Talent of Scotland’ exhibition. At the age of 19, Luke moved to Glasgow and enrolled on a degree course in 3D Animation at Glasgow Caledonian University.

A highly imaginative and creative individual, Luke found that working in the mediium of 3D animation came very naturally to him. He felt able to express himself and found it hugely rewarding to combine his artistic, literary and technical skills. As a student he outperformed himself every year, and delivered projects that set new benchmarks for students of the course.

Luke developed an exceptional skillset as a character animator and graduated from his degree course with a First Class Honours. Compelled to continue his studies to masters level, Luke required financial assistance to enable him to pursue his ambitions.

How the Award Helped

Luke received a Dewar Award to support him in his studies on the Masters in Animation at the University of South Wales. This provided him with the backing he needed at a crucial stage in his professional development.

Final Year Undergraduate Short Film

Final Third Year Short Film

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"The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me the creative freedom to push my talents further and let me explore the depths of my ability. Without this award it would not have been financially viable for me to enrol in a Masters program and push my skillset to a more professional level. For that, I am truly grateful."

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2015 Awardee: Christopher McEvoy Barton

"The Dewar Arts Award has let me pursue a masters at the Royal College of Art, to hone my skills and perfect my craft."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://christophermcevoy.com/
EMAIL:christopher@mcevoytextiles.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ChrisMcevoy93

Biography

Descended from a family of mill workers and a Calton weaver,  Christopher McEvoy Barton brings a rich heritage to the discipline of textiles design. Specialising in woven textiles, Christopher is a keen researcher whose work shows continued innovation.

Having grown up in North East Glasgow, Christopher chose to study at the Glasgow School of Art. During his time there he won numerous awards for his achievements, including the Glasgow’s Incorporation of Weavers Prize, The Gillian Purvis Award for Primary Research and Glasgow’s Incorporation of Weavers Award for Innovation.

Christopher has successfully gained opportunities to work with top named designers, such as Niki Jones, and was approached to design a ’50 Years of Strathclyde’ graduation cap for the University of Strathclyde. He has interned at Bespoke Atelier, Centex Exports and for the couture weavers Malhia Kent in Paris.  Whilst there he learned about small high end production of cloth – a theme that he has carried on into his own practice.

A passionate ambassador for Scottish textiles, it is Christopher’s dearest ambition to support the textile manufacturing industry in bringing jobs back to Glasgow.

How the Award Helped

Christopher received an award to support him in undertaking postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Art.

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"The Dewar Arts Award has let me pursue a masters at the Royal College of Art, to hone my skills and perfect my craft."

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2015 Awardee: Lewis Normand

“The Dewar Award allowed me to study and network in Amsterdam...This provided an extremely valuable context for my work as a performer and a choreographer."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Lewis Normand is an intelligent, dedicated and exceptionally talented dancer.

Growing up in rural North East Scotland, Lewis describes his household as playful and creative, in spite of challenging financial circumstances.  “My family’s appreciation of and play in nature, my experience of fewer material things, and my growing up in Scotland is part of me; a driving force, a connection to other people and part of my inspiration.”

It wasn’t until Lewis was 15 that the family moved to Edinburgh and he began to study dance.  However, in just a few short months he had become proficient in his Advanced/Professional Level Contemporary Dance class. Whilst studying for a BTEC in dance he attended nine hours a week of extra classes, which he paid for with his Education Maintenance Allowance.

Lewis went on to gain a place to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Dance.  Whilst there he performed with the Scottish Ballet’s education tour and received the Program Prize for Modern Ballet as well as the Veronica Bruce Trust Award. He graduated in 2014 with a BA in Modern Ballet.

As a professional dancer, Lewis has performed with David Hughes Dance, Errol White Company and the Scottish Opera. He choreographed and performed in Dreamland Theatre’s first production, introducing French song and classical dance to children, and completed a Choreographic Residency at Dance Base.

How the Award Helped

Lewis received a Dewar Arts Award to enable him to attend a month-long training and information-gathering opportunity at the Henny Jurriens Dance and Choreography Intensive in Amsterdam.

The event brings together international teachers and performers of the highest quality and provides an intense learning opportunity, allowing Lewis to explore how his classical training sits in a context of international contemporary work.

Glory on Earth

Credits: Head shot Tania Gardener. Dance shots Erik De Roij Photography.

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“The Dewar Award allowed me to study and network in Amsterdam...This provided an extremely valuable context for my work as a performer and a choreographer."

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2015 Awardee: Colleen Leitch

"The Dewar Award has taken the pressure away from my design process and has given me freedom to experiment with new materials."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Colleen was just 10 years old when she decided she wanted to pursue a career in fashion.  Always passionate about drawing and design, she engaged in her art as a form of escapism.

Colleen has a strong personal connection with photography and the feeling that is evoked when capturing the effects of light. For her, they symbolise a purity of belief and sense of wonder. Through experimentation with materials and textiles, Colleen communicates the effects that light can have on the body.

Colleen graduated from the Edinburgh College of Art with a First Class degree, and went on to show her graduate collection at Graduate Fashion Week, 2014. It was here she achieved the David Band Textile Award and was subsequently nominated for the Scottish Fashion Awards, where she won the Fashion Graduate of the Year.

How the Award Helped

Colleen received a Dewar Arts Award to support her experimentation in design, whilst studying an MA in Womenswear Fashion at the Royal College of Art.

“I want to further explore capturing beauty and feeling of wonder through my designs, to create garments that represent me and my faith.”

Colleen Leitch – Light

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"The Dewar Award has taken the pressure away from my design process and has given me freedom to experiment with new materials."

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2015 Awardee: Paul Grant

"The Dewar Arts Award has been a great encouragement... allowing me to take the next step towards becoming a professional singer."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.pauldgrant.com/
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/pauldgrant

Biography

Paul Grant is singer whose baritone voice has an alluring quality, with excellent range, dynamic control and the strength required for a successful career in performance.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Paul attended a local state school before going on to study music at the University of Edinburgh.  In 2012, he graduated and was awarded the Eileen Cameron Music Prize for his contribution to the musical life of the Music Department, the University and the wider Edinburgh community.

In 2013, Paul completed a PGDE in Secondary Music Education from the Moray House School of Education. He went on to gain a place on the prestigious Masters in Performance course at the Royal Academy of Music in London, offering the opportunity for Paul to hone his technique and develop the essential skills for a professional career.

Performance highlights include so far include John Adams’s The Wound Dresser with the Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra conducted by Will Conway; a lunchtime recital with John Kitchen at the Usher Hall as part of the Get Organised series as well as featuring as a soloist with National Youth Choir of Scotland and Northern Sinfonia, and on a European tour with NYCoS in 2013.

How the Award Helped

Paul’s Dewar Arts Award enabled him to study to professional level on the Masters in Performance course at the Royal Academy of Music.

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"The Dewar Arts Award has been a great encouragement... allowing me to take the next step towards becoming a professional singer."

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