The fund supports a wide array of projects, including interdisciplinary theatre, music recording, and new digital platforms celebrating Ukrainian culture, reflecting the diverse talent within the RCS community. By encouraging experimentation and ambition at an early stage, the fund helps graduates build confidence and test their ideas.
Recipients include Yuki Neoh, who will use the funding for an interdisciplinary theatre performance titled Tell You Later!, exploring 'Dinner Table Syndrome'. Ewan Johnston will support the recording of an original album with his collaborators Chris Quinn and Roan Anderson. Ukrainian cellist Kateryna Tunina is developing Culture Code Digital, an educational media platform for Ukrainian culture.
Other awardees include Eldon Bradfield for a concert series exploring music and photography, Emma Coles for a collaborative theatre project titled Hot Air, and Jazzi Hart for developing the show concept Ali in Wonderland. Paul Michael Henry received funding for an interdisciplinary performance titled The Great Attractor, and Ava Hickey for a research project on travelling Showwomen titled ShowWoman.
Clare Hume's project focuses on 'Charismatic Advisers' for performers with learning disabilities. Ukrainian composer Bohdan Ilnytskyi will create a cinematic performance film for his single Vershe. Kelly King is developing a new interpretation of the play Grounded in the age of AI.
Gem Kinley's Sacred Noise merges church and hardcore genres. Nikita Lukinov is working towards Scotland’s first destination piano festival on the Isle of Bute. Isla Lynch is developing a short film titled The Fish with the Girl.
Tom Macfadyen and Fionnlagh Mac A’Phiocair are creating world-blending, atmospheric textures. Francesca McBride and Molly Keating are developing a dramatic short film titled Box Them Out. Kim McClelland is creating a Gaelic children’s picture book titled Bu! Am Bocan Beag.
Charlotte Perkins' award supports the first full-length album by Harver Quartet, titled Folk(ish). The No Borders string trio, including Joanna Stark, received funding for New Music & Botanical Gardens. Cecilia Thoden van Velzen and Matthew Schwarz are developing an original play titled Yorick or the Skull.
Louise van Tassel's experimental pop duo Spine will focus on streamlining their live performance setup. Isaac Vincent's play, PIECE, explores neurodivergence and grief. Dale Williamson and Romi Safarty are developing a darkly comedic visual theatre piece titled ThE ReAlLy CuTe ShOw.
Lee Young will record John Cage’s Thirteen Harmonies. Tyler Zwink will present the first public performance of his composition, And There Will Be a Great Calm. The fund has expanded to 25 awards of £1,500 each.
Deborah Keogh, Head of Engagement at RCS, stated that the fund is a key element of support for new graduates, helping them leverage funding for further opportunities and build foundational skills for creative careers.
