Caroline Bowditch was last night awarded the Creative Scotland Award for the Support of Talent in recognition of her contribution to nurturing creative talent in Scotland at the Arts & Business Scotland Awards 2011.

Caroline who received her award at a prestigious ceremony at the Music Hall in Aberdeen was nominated for her inspirational and innovative work as Agent for Change at Scottish Dance Theatre and disabled dancers and choreographers.

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland, said;

‘This is the first year that Creative Scotland has sponsored an award at the ceremony.  It was a difficult decision with a strong shortlist all of whom should be congratulated for the work they have done in nurturing Scotland’s creative talent. Caroline is a true role model, she has raised the profile throughout Scotland and internationally of the highest quality dance performance by disabled people.’

The range of Caroline’s project work spans the ‘Creative Thinking Network’, to ‘Make Music Move’ with Paragon, and she is working on a national Symposium planned for January next year with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland,  looking at the pathways into the professional arts for young disabled people.

The shortlist: 
Fiona Dalgetty Chief Executive of Fèis Rois was nominated for her extensive work to nurture and inspire talented young musicians through organisations including The Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin, Scots Music Group and the Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop as well as Fèis Rois, Fiona is also a performer of some status, having played with bands including ‘Or’ and the renowned ‘Auld Reekie Ceilidh Band’ as far afield as the USA, China and Eastern Europe.

Emily Munro, Head of Learning at Glasgow Film Theatre was nominated for her work with The Glasgow Youth Film Festival and her support of new talent through enabling a unique format and process – the Festival is run entirely by a group of young people who select all the films and guests, host audience discussions, introduce screenings and organise events. An increasingly high profile and successful Festival is achieved by Emily’s role in empowering and enabling the young people to take control of all aspects of the event.

David Smith Managing Director at Matchlight was nominated for leading the dynamic independent production company Matchlight in a highly competitive environment; and for his inspiring lead in developing a range of creative partnerships that will equip a new generation of Scottish based producer/directors with the skills they need to win network television commissions.

The Arts and Business Awards are held each year to recognise the most outstanding and creative partnerships between business and arts organisations. For further information and to see the full list of winners please visit their website.