6 days ago
ABOVE: Maya’s Radio Orchestra performing on the main stage.
Thought-provoking art projects, stirring live performances and songs from award-winning musicians were among the highlights of this year’s Arts and Media Student Showcase at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
Hundreds of guests attended the UWS Ayr campus for the event, which celebrates the creativity and innovation of students from the University’s highly-regarded School of Business and Creative Industries.
ABOVE: Hundreds of people turned out for the event.
Student Lorna Futter – label manager for UWS record label Damfino - was Stage Manager for the event’s main stage, and said: “This was an incredible experience. It’s very rare that creative industries students gather in the same place for an event like this, and it just felt special to see all of this in person.
“It honestly made me feel proud to be part of the University, and part of the School of Business and Creative Industries. There are so many talented students here, and the feedback from the live audience was tremendous.”
ABOVE: April Dowling played the saxophone in a main stage performance.
BA Commercial Music Student April Dowling performed on stage, playing the saxophone; and participated in ambitious live performance, providing a live soundtrack for the film Uncanny Valley.
She said it was a special afternoon: “It was everything to me. It felt surreal, being part of it all. It was nerve-racking, exhilarating and emotional – we all had a brilliant time; and because of that, I think the audience did too.”
ABOVE: Some of the award winners.
More than 50 projects were on show, while the Showcase was capped off with an award ceremony. April lifted two prizes – including the Community Music Award – recognising her contribution, through music, to the local area. She added: “I didn’t expect to win any awards, and I was absolutely buzzing. The creative industries students at UWS are of an incredibly high standard, and it means so much to be recognised in this way.”
UWS Commercial Music Lecturer and Arts and Media Showcase Co-ordinator Clare Duffin added: “The Showcase was very well attended, and I’d like to thank everyone who came along to see for themselves just how talented our students are. The students did themselves proud, with performances and exhibits that were of a professional standard – demonstrating clearly their ability to make a big impact in their chosen industry.”