2013 Awardee: Paul Brotherston

Without this award I would not be able to train as a theatre-maker. Simple as that. It really has made all the difference.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Originally from Kelso in the Scottish Borders, Paul studied English Literature at the University of Edinburgh and gained a first class honours degree.

During his time as a student, Paul directed a number of critically-acclaimed theatre productions with the Edinburgh University Theatre Company (EUTC) and the Edinburgh University Shakespeare Company (EUSC). Through this experience he proved himself to be a passionate and driven director, demonstrating a desire and ability to push boundaries along with a clear and detailed vision for his work.

Paul has since directed productions for the Tron Theatre, The Arches and The Traverse Theatre, as well as working as an assistant director at Oran Mor and in physical theatre with the Company of Wolves.

How the Award Helped

The award allowed Paul to take up a place on the Classic and Contemporary Text masters course for directors at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as well as completing a month long residency at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

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Without this award I would not be able to train as a theatre-maker. Simple as that. It really has made all the difference.

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2013 Awardee: Karen Walker

Dewar Awards literally changed my life. I will be eternally grateful for this opportunity and I will continue to work hard to ensure that one day my dream of performing in a West End musical is not my ultimate goal but my reality.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Haling from Glasgow, Karen started her dance training at the age of three and studied jazz and tap, developing a growing passion for stage musicals such as Chicago and Hairspray.  At 16 Karen decided she wanted to make dance her profession and began to take lessons in ballet.  She enrolled at the Anniesland College to study dance, keeping up a number of jobs in the meantime to support herself.  This allowed her to train in a variety of additional disciplines, including contemporary dance, singing and choreography.  She became an active member of the Glasgow dance community, not only by attending workshops and masterclasses to enhance her training, but also by working with and inspiring other dancers.

Through hard work, talent and determination Karen achieved a place on the BA Hons in Theatre Dance at the London Studio Centre, offering her an opportunity to further develop her technique and experience to the level necessary to achieve her ambitions. Karen’s financial circumstances proved a hindrance to accepting the place, and so she applied for a Dewar Arts Award with a glowing recommendation from her tutors.

Karen is described as having outstanding focus, natural ability and musicality with a sense of style that conveys emotion and passion. She is driven to achieve her ambition of performing on stage in London’s West End.

How the Award Helped

Karen received a Dewar Arts Award to support her dance training at the London Studio Centre.

Since the Award

March 2014 – Karen competed against the whole of her college to take part in Move It 2014, and was one of only four second year students to successfully gain a place.  See video below.

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Dewar Awards literally changed my life. I will be eternally grateful for this opportunity and I will continue to work hard to ensure that one day my dream of performing in a West End musical is not my ultimate goal but my reality.

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2013 Awardee: Cara Garton

This award will allow me to focus on developing my flute playing and my studies, and will cultivate my teaching skills for the future.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Inverness, Cara is a tenacious and committed individual who excels as a flautist.  A natural player with beautiful tone and well-developed technique, Cara’s talent and dedication have ensured she stands out from the crowd.

After studying at Aberdeen City Music School, Cara went on to enrol at The North East of Scotland Music School.  She was awarded a number of scholarships, which supported her ambitions to develop her skills to the highest level.

In 2013, Cara was offered a place to study at the illustrious Guildhall School of Music in London.  This was the natural next step for Cara, whose ambition is to build a career as a professional flautist and flute teacher.

How the Award Helped

Cara received an Award to support her in taking up the offer to study at the Guildhall School of Music.

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This award will allow me to focus on developing my flute playing and my studies, and will cultivate my teaching skills for the future.

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2013 Awardee: Jennifer Neil

It is a massive dream of mine to got to London and the course I have been accepted onto is perfect for me

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Passionate about musical theatre, Jennifer is a performer with rare talent.  She has a strong voice with a rare ability to sing in any muscal theatre style and bring a song vividly to life.  She also has a flair for acting, particularly comedic, and a natural capacity for dance.

Originally from Cartyne, Glasgow, Jennifer studied at the Dance School of Scotland.  In 2012, she was the recipient of the Singers Company Music Theatre Award and also won First Prize in the Dance School of Scotland’s Vocal Awards.

Jennifer received an offer to study a one-year intensive course at the London School of Musical Theatre.  This was an opportunity for her to develop her skills and take the next step in becoming a professional performer.

How the Award Helped

Jennifer’s Dewar Award funded her course at the London School of Musical Theatre.

Since the Award

In 2022, Jennifer joined the cast of NCL’S Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

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It is a massive dream of mine to got to London and the course I have been accepted onto is perfect for me

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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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