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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2012 Awardee: Martha Hayward

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dewar Arts Award for their continued support during my Master's degree. Without their help I would have been unable to carry on receiving the expert tuition that studying in a conservatoire offers.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.marthahayward.co.uk/
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/mafaboots

Biography

Martha is an enthusiastic and passionate soprano singer who has lived in Scotland since the age of 3.

Whilst studying music at the University of Aberdeen, Martha proved herself to be a strong and confident performer.  She has sung with a range of chamber choirs and choral groups, including the University of Aberdeen Gilbert & Sullivan Society and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, where she sang a solo for Prince Charles.  She also held a scholarship with the University Chapel Choir, which included recording a solo piece for their Christmas album.

When Martha was 14 her father passed away, leaving her in a difficult situation both financially and personally. In spite of her circumstances, she continued learning to sing and with a positive and dedicated approach she developed in maturity, musicality and technique.  After her Bachelors Degree, she was accepted onto a Masters in Performance at the Leeds College of Music.

Martha decided her goal was to become an opera singer.  The specialist vocal coaching available on the masters course at Leeds offered an excellent opportunity to take her to the next stage in achieving her ambitions.

How the Award Helped

Martha received a Dewar Award to support her in studying on the Masters in Performance course.

Since the Award

June 2014 – Whilst attending the masters course in Leeds, Martha has continued to develop her singing skills through tuition and performances, both solo and ensemble across the UK.  She writes: ” I have been fortunate to meet many other fine musicians during my time in Yorkshire and work closely with them to create some fantastic and innovative concerts.”

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dewar Arts Award for their continued support during my Master's degree. Without their help I would have been unable to carry on receiving the expert tuition that studying in a conservatoire offers.

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2012 Awardee: Chrissie Ardill

The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me to take full advantage of my place on the DEBS scheme at Dance Base in Edinburgh and develop my technical dance skills as well as gaining further opportunities to choreograph and perform.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTNkhSA6o_IaO2SlFf23G5w
 
 

Biography

Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, Chrissie moved to Glasgow in 2007 to study dance full time.  Alongside her studies, she took advantage of every opportunity to engage in the Scottish dance scene, teaching freelance and choreographing new work.

Sadly, during her time in Scotland, Chrissie’s mother died.  This added significantly to Chrissie’s personal and financial challenges, but she remained determined to succeed in her chosen career.  She proved herself to be an exciting new talent and was awarded a scholarship place on the Dancers Emerging Bursary Scheme (DEBS) at Dance Base in Edinburgh.  This would allow her to receive professional dance classes and mentoring, as well as opportunities for networking and residencies.

A strong dancer with choreography skills that demonstrate “engaging and intelligent lines of enquiry”, Chrissie has been featured in the BBC Alba series ‘Danssa‘ as well as having a duet she choreographed entitled ‘Mangled’ (see below) tour across the UK.

How the Award Helped

The cost of travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh proved prohibitive for Chrissie in accepting her place at Dance Base. Her Dewar Award funded the travel between the two cities, allowing her to make the most of the opportunities offered to develop her skills and further her ambitions.

‘Mangled’ – Choreographed by Chrissie Ardil and performed by Underhand Dance Company

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The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me to take full advantage of my place on the DEBS scheme at Dance Base in Edinburgh and develop my technical dance skills as well as gaining further opportunities to choreograph and perform.

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2012 Awardee: Roz McAndrew

Receiving the Dewar Award has had a significant impact on my life. Without your support I would not have been able to accept my place at one of the UK's top Drama Schools. I can't put into words how grateful I am. Thank you!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS:
 
 
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rozmcandrew

Biography

A talented actress, Roz is a determined individual who takes on life’s challenges and remains positive and motivated.  Whilst living in a socially deprived area of Musselburgh, Edinburgh, she took on two part-time jobs to support her family and her education.

Roz studied an HND in Acting and Performance at Edinburgh’s Telford College.  She proved herself to be adept in comedic acting as well as more serious roles.  She played the antagonist in ‘Split//Second‘; a forum theatre production with Creative Electric, which explored the impacts of knife crime on young people and toured secondary schools around Edinburgh.

Roz also took on the role of Chairperson of the Creative Electric Youth Board.  This involved a high level of responsibility with duties such as managing the youth company, leading meetings and fundraising for the organisation.

After completing her HND and gaining an A grade, Roz secured a place at the highly competitive Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London.  Her drive and determination is matched by her talent and interpersonal skills, and as such she demonstrates excellent potential for her future career.

How the Award Helped

Roz received an award to support her on her three-year degree course at Italia Conti.

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Receiving the Dewar Award has had a significant impact on my life. Without your support I would not have been able to accept my place at one of the UK's top Drama Schools. I can't put into words how grateful I am. Thank you!

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2012 Awardee: Andy Macleman

I plan to work as efficiently as possible with my own ideals, choreographic intentions and musical scores alongside soaking up every moment with Richard Alston.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS:
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/anticlimac

Biography

When nominating Andy for a Dewar Award, the Assistant Director of the London Contemporary Dance School described his approach and artistic exploration as being “commensurate with those of a young professional, rather than an undergraduate student”.  An exceptional talent, Andy’s character and drive “mark him as being the sort of young artist who will make waves, and go on to have an impact in the field of contemporary dance”.

Having lived in Dundee for 21 years, Andy took the plunge and moved down to London to study dance.  Although his parents were unable to support him financially, he managed to complete his course and graduated with a first class honours degree.

Proving himself to be an incredibly motivated individual with a natural and honest ability in dance and choreography, Andy went on to successfully audition for an apprenticeship with the Richard Alston Dance Company.  This offered him the opportunity to tour with one of the UK’s leading companies whilst working towards a postgraduate qualification.

When writing about the company, Andy said: “Their work excites me; the musicality connects to my choreographic interests very strongly. The tour reaches across Britain, Europe and America alike which makes the Richard Alston Dance Company a very sought after company to perform for”.  However, it became clear to Andy that without financial assistance he would not be able to accept his place on the apprenticeship.

How the Award Helped

Andy’s Dewar Award enabled him to take up his apprenticeship with the Richard Alston Dance Company.

Since the Award

June 2014: Andy achieved a distinction for his postgraduate studies. His exceptional talent and dedication have brought him a wealth of outstanding opportunities in his dance career.  He has gone on to peform across the globe with the Richard Alston Dance Company, and since then with Ballet Rambert and the Matthew Bourne Company, in iconic shows including Swan Lake.

June 2014: Profile with Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.

June 2014: Performing Merce Cunningham at The Barbican.

April 2012: Review – Choreography and performance of Andy’s piece ‘Drone’.

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I plan to work as efficiently as possible with my own ideals, choreographic intentions and musical scores alongside soaking up every moment with Richard Alston.

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2012 Awardee: Greg Grant

The Dewar Award's contribution will provide vital financial assistance to complete the MFA course and allow me to realise the potential development and opportunity it offers. Without this valuable contribution I would have been unable to fully capitalise upon the knowledge and expertise I will gain here in Sweden.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.thenowmuseum.com/
 
 

Biography

Greg grew up in Glasgow, and in spite of considerable financial restrictions was determined to develop his passion for art and his skills as an artist.  Through hard work and dedication, Greg gained a first class honours degree in Art History & Theory from St Andrew’s University as well as a BA with distinction from the Glasgow School of Art.

Post-graduation, Greg went on to win The Arches in Glasgow’s first annual Black Box award. He also began to exhibit his work in solo and group shows nationally and internationally.  In 2008 he was included in the Edinburgh City Art Centre’s Travelling Gallery exhibition Re/Trato, alongside artists such as Kenny Hunter and Sean Gladwell.

Still retaining close contact with Glasgow, Greg began to undertake periods of research in other countries such as Cuba, France, Spain and the Netherlands where he completed a residency at Kaus Australis, an independently run art organisation in Rotterdam.

Whilst developing his practice, Greg found a growing commitment towards advancing social engagement through his art.  As a result of this focus as well as his “exceptional capacities as an artist that can benefit still from an educational context”, Greg was offered a place on the highly competitive MFA course at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

How the Award Helped

Greg’s award provided subsistence while he studied for the MFA in Sweden, which included a highly rewarding six month period working in Italy for American artist Mark Dion on an ERASMUS placement.  This course has a strong focus on social engagement, allowing him to further develop his talents and interests whilst studying at the highest level.

Since the Award

During his time as a postgraduate student, Greg has won recognition for his hard work by winning several grants and awards, including the Otto and Charlotte Mannheimer stipedium.  He was also selected by a jury of prominent Swedish artists and academics for inclusion in the Akademiska Hus exhibition of publically engaged art, ‘Art of Change’ in September 2013.  Titled ‘Forspel’ (Prelude) the piece worked with local Roma street musicians to explore the politics of public space (see below).

September 2008

The Scotsman: Idolon review (at Arches Live! Festival)

The Scotsman: Over Arching Principle feature

The Sunday Herald: From The Far Side feature

The List: Only the Brave interview (for The Human Image project)

Prelude – Postgraduate work selected for inclusion in the Art of Change exhibition

Where a Singular Will Provokes Collective Action – realised at Kaus Australis, Rotterdam

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The Dewar Award's contribution will provide vital financial assistance to complete the MFA course and allow me to realise the potential development and opportunity it offers. Without this valuable contribution I would have been unable to fully capitalise upon the knowledge and expertise I will gain here in Sweden.

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2012 Awardee: Lyndsay McNeill

My ultimate aim is to become an independent fashion designer of the future. I believe that studying at L.C.F. with financial assistance courtesy of a Dewar Award would allow me to achieve my goal.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.lyndsaymcneill.com/
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Falkirk, Lyndsay has lived in Scotland all her life.  A prolific and diligent worker, she has proved herself to have an exceptional aptitude for fashion design.

In 2012 Lyndsay graduated from the Edinburgh College of Art with a first class honours degree.  Her hard work and obvious talent earned her many accolades whilst she was there, including the Andrew Grant Bequest Fund for her first year’s work, an exhibition at the London Fashion Week and an internship at Jonathan Saunders.  She then went on to gain an unconditional offer to study an MA in Fashion Design Technology Menswear at the London College of Fashion.

Lyndsay’s ambition is to become an independent fashion designer.  She aims to create “an alternative minimalism, where complex cutting and fabric manipulation combine to create a groundbreaking tailored collection of exclusive garments”.  She enjoys pushing and challenging herself in all areas of her design work and hopes her collections will “enhance individuality and challenge the perception of the consumer”.

How the Award Helped

Lyndsay’s Dewar Award supported her in her MA at the London College of Fashion.

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My ultimate aim is to become an independent fashion designer of the future. I believe that studying at L.C.F. with financial assistance courtesy of a Dewar Award would allow me to achieve my goal.

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