Rhys Nutting. BA(Hons) in Sound Technology at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
About the award
The Ian McKellen Award is a great opportunity for young people who are passionate about the creative arts. It provides financial support and recognition for their talent and helps them to achieve their dreams.
When Sir Ian McKellen came to perform at the Arts Centre in February 2019 for his 80th birthday tour, all the money raised from ticket sales and donations during his visit was kept safe to be used for supporting our work with young people.
In honour of such an inspirational man, and to put this money to good use, we established the Ian McKellen Award for young people.
Every year, we will award £500 to an individual who shows artistic potential and a deep passion for what they do. The money will help with their studies so the recipient must also have secured a place in a course of study for the upcoming academic year.
Who can apply?
This award is open to anyone between 16 and 25 who is passionate about the creative arts and wants to continue their vocational training. Whether you’re interested in theatre, dance, visual arts, or anything else, we want to help you reach your full potential.
Applications are now open:
Aberystwyth Arts Centre’s Ian McKellen Award – Full Terms and Conditions 2025
1. The Award is open to any young person between the ages of 16 – 25 who is intending to continue their vocational training in the creative arts – including, but not limited to, theatre, dance, and the visual arts.
2. The Award is aimed at young people who can demonstrate artistic promise and the passion for their artform, and who are in receipt of a place for study during the following academic year.
3. Previous applications are welcome to apply for the award again.
4. Applicants must apply to Aberystwyth Arts Centre by Friday 18th July using the official application form.
5. Applications must be sent to lao8@aber.ac.uk
6. Applicants will be required to attend a short interview to discuss their application during July / August 2025
7. The Awarding Panel will meet to decide upon the allocations; the decision of the Awarding Panel is final.
8. The value of the Award is £500. The Panel may choose to offer the full amount to one candidate, or to share between two successful applicants. The Award is for one year only. The payment will be made direct to the recipient’s bank account.
9. One Award is available for 2025 entry.
10. The Scholarship holder will be required to submit a report at the end of the year of study to indicate how the course has benefited them. The Arts Centre would be keen to maintain contact throughout study and beyond, and to offer ongoing mentoring support if that would be beneficial for the individual.
11. Failure to meet any of the above requirements will result in the Award being withdrawn.
Past winners
2024
2023
Gruffydd Rhys Evans. Studying a BA Hons in Acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).
2022
Tom Mathias, Solo Violin Performer Diploma at Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music.
2021
Osian Pearson, MA in Editing at the National Film and Television School
2020
Cerys Havana Hickman, multi-instrumentalist specialising in the triple harp and piano, Music (BMus) at Goldsmiths, University of London
2019
For the inaugural year, the award was shared between Owain Gruffydd, BA Hons Degree in Acting at University of Northampton and Laura Baker, BA Hons Degree in Ballet Education at the Royal Academy of Dance.
