2016 Awardee: JD Stewart

“To be given assistance by The Dewar Arts Award is a tremendous honor and validation of all the hard work I have done over the last year. It has also enabled me to complete my studies at Tisch and for that, I am eternally thankful."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/jdizzlestewart

Biography

Born in Edinburgh and raised in the Scottish Borders, JD Stewart discovered his love of theatre at the Edinburgh Acting School. He went on to develop his passion for the craft alongside his writing skills by completing a BA/Hons in English Studies at Stirling University, specialising in Creative Writing.

After graduating, JD worked in a number of locations throughout England, before moving to South Korea where he taught English for three and a half years. While there, his plays were produced by the Daegu Theatre Company and his stories assisted students learning English in China.

In 2015, JD was one of 22 students worldwide to be accepted onto an MFA in Dramatic Writing at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He was a finalist for the Theatre Aspen Festival in 2016, and his plays have been workshopped and read throughout the city.

JD’s passion for writing extends to television and film, but his heart is in playwrighting. He hopes to continue this journey by exploring his cultural Scottish roots throughout his work.

How the Award Helped

After completing his first year at Tisch School of the Arts through assistance from his parents, JD was awarded with a Dewar Arts Award to help him continue and complete his studies in the Autumn of 2016 and Spring of 2017.

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“To be given assistance by The Dewar Arts Award is a tremendous honor and validation of all the hard work I have done over the last year. It has also enabled me to complete my studies at Tisch and for that, I am eternally thankful."

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2016 Awardee: Andrew Birse

"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for helping me to fulfil my dream of studying violin at a prestigious conservatoire. I am passionate about music and will work hard towards achieving a career in violin performance."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Andrew is a highly dedicated violinist who strives for excellence, and whose dream has always been to become a professional musician of the highest calibre.

Born in Aberdeen, Andrew has played with many local orchestras including the Aberdeen Sinfonietta and the Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra, as well as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He was the deputy leader of the Grampian Youth Orchestra and the principal 2nd violin for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, playing in the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms as part of their tour.

As well as playing in orchestras, Andrew has a great interest in chamber and choral music. He has been a chorister at St. Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen and was a member of the Aberdeen Bach Choir. He has played in various quartets and ensembles, including the Scottish Ensemble on their “Concerts by Candlelight” tour around Scotland.

Andrew gained a place to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.  This provided him with the opportunity to hone his skills and take the next steps towards achieving his dream.

How the Award Helped

Andrew received an Award to support him in his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. This enabled him to develop his skills as a musician, as well as share his ‘fire’ and passion for music with others.

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"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for helping me to fulfil my dream of studying violin at a prestigious conservatoire. I am passionate about music and will work hard towards achieving a career in violin performance."

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2016 Awardee: Harvey Littlefield

"I am extremely grateful to the trustees and all those who have believed in me. Without this award I may not have been able to continue to explore and develop to become the dancer I dream of being. I shall strive to work hard and embrace every moment."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 15
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Growing up in Glasgow, with both parents working in the arts, Harvey was never under any illusions about the dedication needed to pursue a career in ballet. He knew it could be brutal and exhausting, requiring total commitment and focus, but also how fantastic and rewarding this profession could potentially be.

At age 10, Harvey joined Scottish Ballet Junior Associates, where he was first inspired to focus on ballet. He then moved to the Dance School of Scotland, where he graduated in 2016 receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award.

In 2015, Harvey was one of around 200 young people throughout the world to apply to The English National Ballet School. He attended the summer school, and was offered a final audition without having to complete the preliminary stage. He successfully gained a place and became one of only two British boys in his year.

Harvey and his family are incredibly proud of his achievements to date, and feel he could not have done this without the support and commitment from his initial teachers in Scotland.  His ambition is to become a principle dancer in a ballet company, performing the well-loved classical ballets as well as new and exciting works.

How the Award Helped

Harvey’s Award assisted him in his further training, enabling him to build on the opportunities he received in Glasgow, and take him closer to achieving his dream.

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"I am extremely grateful to the trustees and all those who have believed in me. Without this award I may not have been able to continue to explore and develop to become the dancer I dream of being. I shall strive to work hard and embrace every moment."

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2016 Awardee: Robyn Casey

"Without the great help from Dewar Arts Awards I would not have the immense pleasure of being able to pursue this course. When I am at the pinnacle of my career I will be proud to be able to say that Dewar Arts Awards helped me get there.”

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Alexandria, Robyn began studying jazz, tap and ballet dancing at just two years of age. Her dream became to perform in one of her favourite musical theatre shows in the West End.

At the age of 17, Robyn joined Anniesland College to study an HND in Dance. This opened her eyes to other styles of dance as well as choreography.  She went on to audition for the BA Hons in Theatre Dance at London Studio Centre, and was successful in gaining a place.

In order to fundraise for her studies, Robyn taught regular classes in jazz and contemporary dance whilst in Glasgow.  She then supported herself through her first year by working in a local pub. This proved challenging, as she would finish college, work until 2am and then be up at 6:30am for her first class the next day.  The second year was set to be even more physically demanding, and so Robyn applied to the Dewar Arts Awards for financial assistance.

How the Award Helped

Robyn’s Dewar Award enabled her to continue her studies without financial pressure, allowing her to fully apply herself to achieving her ambitions.

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"Without the great help from Dewar Arts Awards I would not have the immense pleasure of being able to pursue this course. When I am at the pinnacle of my career I will be proud to be able to say that Dewar Arts Awards helped me get there.”

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2016 Awardee: Matt Wilson

"I am delighted and deeply grateful to be given the Dewar Award. It will definitely allow me to expand my practise as an artist even further, at the Royal College of Art."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Matt Wilson is an innovative printmaker, whose practice investigates digital and analogue print methods through art and design methodologies.

Matt’s work explores the tension between two forces meeting in opposition, and how balance can exist within this tension. In his practice, these forces have manifested themselves as the relationship between the man-made and the natural, as social hostility, and as cultural conflict.

Matt graduated with a degree in Fine Art, from the University of Dundee, where he specialised in printmaking. During his degree, he was selected for the 2014 RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition, and was awarded the Walter Scott Global Investment Award and the Art in Healthcare Purchase Prize.

Matt has exhibited in galleries across the UK, including the Hatton Gallery (Newcastle) and The Fleming Collection (London).

How the Award Helped

Matt’s Award supported him in studying the MA Fine Art Print course at the Royal College of Art.

Since the Award

2014 Walter Scott Global Investment Award
2014 Art in Healthcare Purchase Prize
RSA New Contemporaries 2014: Selected Artist
2013 Frameworks Prize

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"I am delighted and deeply grateful to be given the Dewar Award. It will definitely allow me to expand my practise as an artist even further, at the Royal College of Art."

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2016 Awardee: Katie Schwab

"The Dewar Arts Award has contributed enormously to my time undertaking the MFA Graduate Fellowship at Glasgow Sculpture Studios."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.katieschwab.com/
 
 

Biography

Katie Schwab moved from London to Glasgow in 2013, to study an MFA at the Glasgow School of Art.  There she developed her impressive style of practice – making sophisticated use of materials and sculptural processes in a critically engaging way.

Katie was awarded the MFA Graduate Fellowship at Glasgow Sculpture Studios, based on her work presented at the MFA Degree Show. This prestigious annual award is presented to an artist who demonstrates artistic excellence and a commitment to maintaining a studio-based contemporary sculptural practice.

Exhibitions and projects include: Together in a Room, Collective, Edinburgh; Bloomberg New Contemporaries, Backlit, Nottingham and ICA, London; My love is like a red red rose. Art in Scotland from 18th to 21st Century, Musée du Château des ducs de Wurtemberg, Montbéliard; Fresh, British Ceramics Biennial, The Original Spode Factory Site, Stoke-on-Trent; The Grind, Voidoidarchive, Glasgow and Project Visible, Tate Modern. 2015 graduate residency at Hospitalfield, Arbroath.

How the Award Helped

Katie’s Award supported her work on the MFA Graduate Fellowship.  This enabled her to experiment across the GSS workshops, to work with new materials and to explore new forms of production and collaboration in the run-up to an exhibition.

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"The Dewar Arts Award has contributed enormously to my time undertaking the MFA Graduate Fellowship at Glasgow Sculpture Studios."

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2016 Awardee: Magnus Green

"I am profoundly grateful to The Dewar Arts Awards [for] this extraordinary opportunity to continue to realise my ambitions and keep progressing along this hugely exciting journey."

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

Biography

Brought up on a deer farm near Elgin, Magnus is a keen composer and a highly proficient multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, violin, and accordion. In 2016, he won a highly coveted place at the Royal Academy of Music to study Composition with Christopher Austin.

Magnus began learning the piano accordion and violin at the age of 6 and began teaching himself the piano around the same time, developing the skill of improvisation which ultimately lead to his interest in composition. Whilst at school he played violin with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, as well gigging regularly as a pianist. In tandem with his classical pursuits, he is also a keen Jazz musician, and performs regularly both as a solo pianist and as part of his jazz trio.

Magnus is very involved in traditional Scottish music, and appears regularly as an accordionist with his ceilidh band. Composition is his foremost passion, and it is his ambition to become a composer for film and television as well as for the concert stage.

Magnus says:

“For the last four years of my Grandpa’s life he struggled with severe dementia, and during this time, I discovered that through music I could communicate emotionally with him, even though he was otherwise unable to respond coherently. It is this potential for emotional communication which gives me an unbeatable thrill and is the primary factor driving me to compose. I love presenting my work to an audience and observing how they respond and interpret the music individually.

It is my ambition to become a composer for film and television, as well as the concert stage. For a young composer, I cannot possibly overstate what an extraordinary opportunity being able to study at the Academy is. The truly outstanding feature of my studies here is the vast array of performance opportunities offered to composers, providing second-to-none practical experience of writing for world-class musicians.“

How the Award Helped

Magnus’s Award supported his musical studies on the four year BMus (Hons) at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he gained one of only 4 places.

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"I am profoundly grateful to The Dewar Arts Awards [for] this extraordinary opportunity to continue to realise my ambitions and keep progressing along this hugely exciting journey."

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2016 Awardee: David Wood

"This scholarship opened the door to tuition that has fundamentally changed my practice as a director for the better."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
EMAIL:david.wood4@outlook.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/david_wood4

Biography

Hailing from a small community in Kilmarnock, David’s love for theatre and directing originated at a young age thanks to his tremendously supportive teachers.

Having completed a HNC and HND in Acting and Performance at West College Scotland, he became the first person to graduate with a first class honours in Drama, in partnership with the University of Sunderland. David was subsequently awarded the Ede & Ravenscroft “Ones to Watch” prize.

David completed a one month residency at Shakespeare’s Globe where he directed scenes from Shakespeare’s contemporaries on the main stage. He went on to direct productions at prestigious venues in Scotland.

David is passionate about making theatre widely accessible, entertaining and emotionally resonant. He intends to work in a multitude of styles with those values in mind.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award allowed David to undertake his MA in Classical and Contemporary Text (directing) at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Glory on Earth
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"This scholarship opened the door to tuition that has fundamentally changed my practice as a director for the better."

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2016 Awardee: Ben Hunter

"Without the assistance from the Dewar Arts Award, I would not have been able to accept my place on the course. Their belief in me has pushed me to be the best I can be."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Ben Hunter is a Scottish filmmaker, born and educated in Perth. He graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as a recipient of the Perth Festival of the Arts Award, and went on to study an MA in Directing Fiction at the National Film & Television School in Beaconsfield.  He was the only Scottish student with 7 other internationals.

The NFTS is one of the world’s most highly regarded film schools, and the MA is unique and specialist masters course, allowing students to develop their creative voices as directors in an intense and practical environment.

In 2017, Ben’s films Tibet (2015) and Greylag (2016) were screened at the Glasgow Short Film Festival and the Royal Television Society Awards.

Although Ben gathers his influences from around the world, he is very interested in assimilating these to tell stories of his own culture, background and experiences growing up in central Scotland.

How the Award Helped

Ben’s Dewar Arts Award enabled him to accept his place to study at the NFTS.

Glory on Earth
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"Without the assistance from the Dewar Arts Award, I would not have been able to accept my place on the course. Their belief in me has pushed me to be the best I can be."

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2015 Awardee: Ewan Zuckert

It is amazing to be supported by this award and I am incredibly grateful.

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

Biography

Born in Edinburgh, clarinetist Ewan began his studies at the City of Edinburgh Music School.  There he excelled as a musician, gaining the ABRSM’s Gold Award for highest mark in the Grade 8 Clarinet Exam and becoming a Rotary Young Musician of the Year in 2010.

At the age of 17, Ewan secured a place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow and was taught by many prominent players inlcuding John Cushing and Yann Ghiro. He played with the RCS Symphony and Chamber Orchestras as well as their most prestigious wind ensemble.  He regularly performed and competed, receiving numerous commendations, and has gained professional experience at home and abroad with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Opera and the Dunedin Consort.

Ewan achieved a 1st Class Bachelor of Music with Honours in 2014. From there he enrolled on the Master of Music in Performance course at the Royal College of Music in London. This gave him the opportunity to further develop his skills and to work alongside many world-class musicians.

How the Award Helped

Ewan’s Dewar Award allowed him to complete his final year of masters studies at the RCM in London.

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It is amazing to be supported by this award and I am incredibly grateful.

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