SCENE STIRLING ANNOUNCES FIRST DIGITAL COHORT

Five local artists have been awarded a Scene Stirling digital commission to help transform their creative practice.

Creative writer Izzy Brims, choreographer Malcolm Sutherland, illustrator David Galletly, sculptor Ken Elliott and multi-disciplinary artist Jules McAllister will each receive a £1500 bursary, guidance from a leading industry mentor and three month’s expert training.

MEET THE COHORT

Izzy Brims

University of Stirling creative writing graduate Izzy Brims has been commissioned to write a series of stories showcasing creative disabled people from Stirlingshire. 

Izzy said: “As a disabled person myself, I strongly believe in a variety of different voices being heard, especially ones which have been side lined in the past. I want to highlight the work of local disabled creatives, so that their work can recognised and enjoyed by a wider audience.”

She added: "I’m hyped to join such an exciting new venture with Scene Stirling and looking forward to meeting fellow creatives in the Stirling area, learning new skills and starting the journey towards developing my own career in the arts."

Izzy will be mentored by arts writer and magazine editor Douglas Greenwood, who has worked for several well-known titles including Vogue, The Independent, i-D and NME.

Malcolm Sutherland

Malcolm Sutherland is a choreographer and dancer from Dunblane, with 13 years professional experience working internationally across state theatres and dance projects all over the world.

He has been commissioned to create a unique, audio visual experience incorporating dance, visual imagery and sound.

Malcolm said: “I’m looking forward to applying my creative experiences and ideas to a local context for the first time. I hope it will lead to future collaborations in the Stirling area. The training programme will be a great boost to my career development.”

Malcolm will be mentored by Bethany Kingsley Garner, a Principal Ballerina with Scottish Ballet and a graduate of The Royal Ballet.

David Galletly

David Galletly is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer from Stirling. He has been commissioned to curate, create and design a podcast series featuring local creative professionals – promoting his home city as a great place to live and work.

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David said: “Normally I draw pictures, design posters and paint murals, but recently I've taken my first few tentative steps in animation. Joining the Digital Commissions will give me the opportunity to expand as an artist and experiment with an entirely new medium, podcasts. I’m over the moon to be part of the programme and can’t wait to get started.”

David will be mentored by Marcroy Eccleston Smith, Founder and Editor of People of Print Ltd. and Grafik Magazine.

Ken Elliott

Sculptor Ken Elliott, whose work has been displayed by the Engine Shed and Stirling University Art Collection, only discovered his talent 2 years ago.

His artistic practice has quickly developed from the production of pen and ink hand-coloured drawings, to computer-controlled wood carving and metal sculpture.

Ken is currently creating a series of natural world themed sculptures, one of which he plans to film in a 360-degree video as part of his commission. 

Ken said: “It is still the early day of my creative journey, having spent most of my career as an engineer. I enjoy experimenting with new techniques. My work is currently focussed on exploring ways to express some of the elegant forms in the natural world using only a minimal set of curved three-dimensional shapes, hand-formed in aluminium strips using simple tools. This includes the metal strip sculpture ‘Wave’ which was on display at the University’s Pathfoot building last November.”

He added: “The Digital Commission is an exciting opportunity for me to learn and improve my digital skills, enhance the impact and reach of my own artwork and help support the growth and recognition of art and artists in Stirling.”

 Ken will be mentored by award winning contemporary artist David Cass, who is known for creating artworks with recycled materials.

Jules McAllister

Jules McAllister, or Rue Five, is a multi-disciplinary artist originally from Stirling, currently living in Glasgow.

As a member of the Scottish art collective Team Recoat and founder of Folk-Life, he has exhibited extensively throughout Europe and the Americas..

He has been commissioned to design a virtual exhibition tour, supplemented by public artworks (murals, signs and sculptures). The project will include an interactive GPS-triggered walk around his home city. 

Jules said: "I'm happy to be a part of the Scene Stirling Digital Commissions and look forward to working with them in furthering my own creative journey within the arts, as well as fostering other local talent."

 Jules will be mentored by Mike Inglis, a lecturer at the Edinburgh College of Art and a multidisciplinary artist. 

NURTURING LOCAL TALENT

Scene Stirling’s Digital Commissions programme is led by Former STV Head of Development, Ramy El-Bergamy and creative strategist Laura Griffin from digital consultancy Griffin & Co.

Laura said: "We are both very excited to welcome some great creative talent from across Stirlingshire. There was some real tough competition for the commissions, which shows just how strong the local creative community is here in Stirling. Congratulations to those who were successful, we are really looking forward to getting started."