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.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

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.

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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.

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2016 Awardee: Mirren Mack

“I am so grateful for this opportunity. The Dewar Arts Award as has granted me freedom and the chance to study a school I had only dreamt of attending. Thank you.”

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

Biography

Born and raised in Stirling, Mirren grew up the eldest daughter of an actor father and drama tutor mother. This early exposure to the world of theatre inspired Mirren to perform, and she took up classes in acting, dance and performing on stage from a very young age.

In her 5th year at high school Mirren auditioned for the Dance School of Scotland’s Musical Theatre course at Knightwood, where she went on to study full time for two years. Whilst there she demonstrated a rare combination of focus, maturity and natural talent.  She took part in many public performances, including two shows that took place in the Citizens Theatre (Batboy and Godspell). She won the drama prize for her year in 2015 and the Musical Theatre Award in her final year.

Mirren enjoyed all aspects of her training, however her passion for acting drove her to audition for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.  She was successful in gaining a place, offering an excellent opportunity to study her craft at a highly prestigious school.

Mirren’s ambition is to develop her craft and perform both within theatre and film.

How the Award Helped

Mirren’s Dewar Arts Award enabled her to accept her place to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and to fully benefit from the opportunity to further her talents.

Since the Award

March 2020: Mirren gained her first prime time TV role in the BBC’s ‘The Nest’.  In an interview with The Mail on Sunday she credited her support from the Dewar Arts Awards as being vital in her development as an actor, without which she would not have been able to afford her tuition at Guildhall.

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“I am so grateful for this opportunity. The Dewar Arts Award as has granted me freedom and the chance to study a school I had only dreamt of attending. Thank you.”

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2016 Awardee: Joanne Dawson

"By staying in Glasgow and making this my indefinite base for working, I believe I'm able to flourish in a supportive environment full of opportunity."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.joannedawson.co.uk/
EMAIL:info@joannedawson.co.uk
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/joanne_dawson

Biography

Born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Joanne moved to Glasgow in 2012 to study Painting and Printmaking at the Glasgow School of Art.  Whilst there she was an active and engaged member of the student community, demonstrating a mature and driven attitude to her studies.  With a group of her peers, she arranged a series of collaborative exhibitions with the Edinburgh College of Art, and after graduation continued in roles with GSA Exhibitions and The Students’ Association.

Joanne organised an exhibition of Glasgow graduates at Blipblipblip in Leeds, was selected for The Telfer Gallery and EMBASSY Gallery’s annual graduate shows, and held her first solo show at VoidoidARCHIVE.

In 2017, Joanne had her first group international show in Madrid, and exhibited as part of the Glasgow International Arts Festival in 2016.

Joanne is a collaborator in Babaloose; a bi-monthly event in Glasgow. Babaloose uses open platform events, discussions & workshops to promote the politics of performing, and the power of an audience as a creative community.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award allowed Joanne to facilitate the production and development of research for her first solo show in Glasgow, and her first contributing publication “Stop! Slow down, take a minute” (available throughout the exhibition and at Good Press, Glasgow).  The project involved cross-collaboration with artists in Scotland and Madrid.

Since the Award

Having completed her first solo exhibition, Joanne updated us on her progress.

“Prior to the Dewar Award and 2017 in particular, I found it hard to determine what was a good opportunity that would enhance my career, or what was exploitative and without any recognition of time or free-labour. The experience of this exhibition has left me able to recognise what will be beneficial and progressive for my future artistic career.

I found receiving the Dewar Award, and working with the curatorial body ‘Very Friendly’ (now Love Unlimited), a very supportive moment of my career to date, and hope for this to happen again in the near future. The exhibition was highly regarded, and has enabled a string of opportunities since. I have been asked to take part in other exhibitions, as well as a number of solo-shows – another one in Glasgow and my first in Newcastle. As well as this, I am currently progressing with a mentorship programme and collaboration with the design duo ‘Tenement’ who make bespoke furniture for clients and organisations, based in Glasgow.

My development as an artist during this time has lead to more professional responsibility…This element allows me to see the business side of creative professions and taking the roles of many; manager, advertiser, producer, application writer. I see creative development as much about output, as much as commenting on the changes to arts that are currently underway, and how this will affect future generations of artists.

The Dewar Award has genuinely helped me develop so much in the last year and I hope that this progression continues.”

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"By staying in Glasgow and making this my indefinite base for working, I believe I'm able to flourish in a supportive environment full of opportunity."

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2016 Awardee: Matt Littleson

"This award came at a time when I seriously would not have been able to study at Mountview because of finances, so I hope it goes without saying how incredibly, sincerely grateful for the opportunity I am"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Raised in a small village called Uplawmoor near Glasgow, Matt joined PACE Youth theatre when he was 8. Although personal challenges led him to leave at 13, he rediscovered his love for acting when he played Vladimir in ‘Waiting for Godot’ during Higher Drama. His teacher told him he should pursue a career in the arts, and spurred on by this Matt trained on the HND Acting and Performance Course at Langside College.  There he gained experience in performing in shows such as ‘Once In a Lifetime’ and ‘Plaza Suite’, creating theatre for children and learning about the industry.

Towards the end of his HND course, Matt successfully auditioned for the lead role as Narrator in Tron Theatre’s production of ‘Under Milk Wood’, performed as part of the Commonwealth Season. This cemented him ambition to become a professional actor.  Following this, Matt gained a place to study at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, taking him a step closer to realising his ambitions.

How the Award Helped

Matt’s Award enabled him to accept his place to study at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, equipping him with the essential tools he needs to become a professional actor.

Matt performing in ‘Under Milk Wood’ at Tron Theatre

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"This award came at a time when I seriously would not have been able to study at Mountview because of finances, so I hope it goes without saying how incredibly, sincerely grateful for the opportunity I am"

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2016 Awardee: Adam Murdoch

"To be selected was incredibly humbling, and not only validated what I had already achieved, but drove me to apply 110% of myself to my writing."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/iWriteAdam

Biography

Adam’s passion for writing started from a very young age, when he would scribble random symbols and letters on scrap pieces of paper and then present his parents with his ‘stories’, insisting that they read them back to him. This love of storytelling quickly developed into a love of reading, as he devoured books and excelled at English in school.

Adam was accepted onto a course in English Literature at the University of Glasgow, but found this didn’t quite satiate his desire to tell stories as well as read them. He began instead to invest increasing amounts of time in one of his option courses, Film and Television. He switched to study this full time, and graduated with an MA (Hons) in Film and TV in 2015.

After graduation, Adam was determined to tell his stories through the screen. He applied and was fortunate enough to be accepted onto an intense, one year Screenwriting Conservatory program at the illustrious New York Film Academy, at the Manhattan Campus. There he wrote several pieces for both big and small screens, and also managed to sell a screenplay for production in Bermuda.

This was an excellent opportunity to learn and network at the hearts of the industry, but Adam has never lost sight of his Scottish roots. His ambition is to draw inspiration from his upbringing, and create stories weaved around his home country.

How the Award Helped

Despite working two jobs and hosting several fundraising events in the year between leaving University and starting at the Film Academy, Adam was unable to fully cover the cost of studying New York. Adam’s Award helped him to make up the shortfall, allowing him to fully focus on developing his skills on the course, and enabling him to make the most of this rare opportunity.

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"To be selected was incredibly humbling, and not only validated what I had already achieved, but drove me to apply 110% of myself to my writing."

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2016 Awardee: Liam Wedge

“I cannot put it in to words how thankful and privileged I feel to have the support of the Dewar Awards and opportunity to progress. I would not have been able to attend the NFTS without it.”

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://liamwedge.artstation.com/
 
 

Biography

Born in Dumfries in the South West of Scotland, Liam developed a passion for film and digital effects from an early age. He went on to study an undergraduate degree in Digital Media at Edinburgh Napier and graduated with honours.

Two years after graduating, Liam had developed a strong portfolio of work and successfully gained an unconditional offer to study a masters degree at the prestigious National Film & Television School in Beaconsfield.  This course is regarded as one of the best in the world and offered Liam an excellent opportunity to develop his talents and further his skills among like-minded artists.

How the Award Helped

Liam’s Dewar Arts Award enabled him to pursue his dream and study Digital Effects at the highly competitive National Film & Television school in Beaconsfield.

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“I cannot put it in to words how thankful and privileged I feel to have the support of the Dewar Awards and opportunity to progress. I would not have been able to attend the NFTS without it.”

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2016 Awardee: David Tinto

It is a great privilege to receive the support and validation of a Dewar Arts Award. The award is allowing me to follow my long held ambition in attending the National Film and Television School.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born in Uddingston, Glasgow, David Tinto began studying his craft at the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh School of Architecture. Proving himself to be a talented student, David went on to complete his Masters of Architecture at the University of Edinburgh.

After graduating, David worked with a number of architectural and design practices across Scotland and also in the USA. His work and areas of interest extend into fine art and film, with work exhibited across Scotland, including at The Glasgow Art Club, The CCA and The Royal Scottish Academy.

In 2014, David was the recipient of the RSA Medal for Architecture.

David’s passion for film has been a common theme through much of his studies and work and has led to his ambition to specialise in the field of Production Design for film.

How the Award Helped

In 2015, David gained a place on the highly competitive MA in Production Design for Film course at the renowned National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield. When he took up his place the following year, the Dewar Arts Awards assisted David through his studies, enabling him to specialise in his chosen field.

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It is a great privilege to receive the support and validation of a Dewar Arts Award. The award is allowing me to follow my long held ambition in attending the National Film and Television School.

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2016 Awardee: Findlay Spence

"The support I have received from the Dewar Arts Awards has allowed me to take the next steps on my path to becoming the best musician that I can be. It has made it possible for me to continue this amazing journey. Thank you!"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
EMAIL:findlayspence@cooptel.net
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/FindlaySpence

Biography

Findlay began to learn the ’cello at the age of eight, first with Isobel Grant in his hometown of Fortrose on the Black Isle, before starting lessons with Ruth Beauchamp in Edinburgh. In 2013, Findlay gained a place at St. Mary’s Music School and, in 2016, he began his studies with Melissa Phelps at the Royal College of Music in London.

As well as performing with youth orchestras and ensembles around the country (he was principal cello of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, performing at the BBC Proms), Findlay has also had involvement with varied community music projects and has enjoyed working with Sistema Scotland, Fèis Rois, and Cromarty Youth Opera amongst others.

Findlay is a keen composer, having studied with Tom David Wilson and Simon Holt. In 2016, he attained places at five conservatoires in Britain and secured the position of Music Scholar and Composer in Residence at St. Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge.

Findlay writes:

“For as long as I can remember, listening to and making music has been centrally important for me. It is hard to imagine a life without this and I am certain that it would seem a very poor substitute. Knowing for myself (and observing in others) the power of music to influence and inspire, it is my life’s ambition and purpose to bring that to other people. As a musician, my personal goal is to become the best and most accomplished that I can. As a cellist, and as a composer, I aspire to make music of the very highest standard.”

How the Award Helped

Findlay’s Award supported his musical studies on the four year BMus (Hons) at the Royal College of Music in London, where he was offered a scholarship place to study with Melissa Phelps.

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"The support I have received from the Dewar Arts Awards has allowed me to take the next steps on my path to becoming the best musician that I can be. It has made it possible for me to continue this amazing journey. Thank you!"

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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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