In addition to a cash prize, each scholar receives a tailored package of support to help them develop their talent during the year. For some this will be one-to-one tuition or mentoring, for others it will involve covering the cost of music exam fees or purchasing specialist equipment. During the year, each scholar's work will be showcased in some way, whether that be an event on campus, presenting their work online or some other opportunity.

2021/22 scholarship winners:

Itseme Adeke – Creative writing

Molly Chambers – Music (singing)

Elizabeth Eastgate – Creative writing

Emi Grover – Music (singer-songwriter)

Muren Lin – Visual arts (photography)

Brian Wedlich – Performing arts (prop making)

Charlie Williams – Music (piano)

Sarah Woods – Music (singing)

Yirene Yong – Performing arts (street dance)

Brian Wedlich is in his final year, studying Business Psychology and has received a performing arts scholarship for his prop making skills. Growing up in Bermuda, Brian was fascinated by films such as Harry Potter and Star Wars but was unable to get the toy lightsabers and wands on the island. This drove him to learn how to make his own, using Youtube tutorials and advice from those working backstage at the theatre groups he was part of.

Since coming to Loughborough he has been making props as part of the Loughborough Stage Society. He hopes to use the scholarship to support the creation of a portfolio to demonstrate the work he can do, as well as learning from local theatre companies about the industry, with the aim of pursuing a career in theatre after graduating.

Emi Grover has been awarded one of the music scholarships for her songwriting and is in her second year, studying Psychology. Emi began songwriting in 2018 as a way to explore and understand her emotions and wants to use the scholarship to take singing lessons and learn how to use production software. She describes her music as Indie Rock and is influenced by 70s singers including Billy Joel and Elton John. She will be performing at Loughborough London’s Student Live Lounge on 30 November.

Molly Chambers and Sarah Woods are also receiving scholarships for singing and both are looking forward to performing again after being unable to during lockdown.

Multi-instrumentalist Charlie Williams hopes to use the scholarship to support his upcoming music exams in piano and violin and creative writing scholars, Itseme Akede and Elizabeth Eastgate, will both receive mentoring to further their skills and their knowledge around getting work published.

Muren Lin found a passion for photography during lockdown and hopes to develop his passion and skill for this art form by attending masterclasses. Finally, Yirene Yong wants to further develop her street dance skills by accessing training opportunities such as workshops and masterclasses.

Molly, Charlie and Sarah will all be taking part in LSU Classical’s concert A Classical Christmas on Wednesday 8 December.

You can find out more about the scholarship winners here and LU Arts will be doing a profile of each one on their social media channels over the coming months.