LAW FIRM PAINTS A BRIGHT PICTURE FOR GSA STUDENTS

October 2009

Maxwell MacLaurin has been commended by the Scottish art world for its work with the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) to establish portfolio clinics to help people from disadvantaged communities gain access to the internationally acclaimed School.

The firm was presented with the commendation at the annual Arts & Business Scotland Awards held at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh last week which was attended by Michael Russell MSP Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution and Irish Arts Minister, Martin Cullen. The awards recognise six distinct categories including new sponsor which recognised the work of Maxwell MacLaurin.

Launched last year, the portfolio clinics are open to people who have not been able to go through the usual school route of preparing and applying for the GSA.

Nineteen clinics have been held at venues in Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire and their success has led to four people being accepted onto various courses at the GSA.

Peter Duff, Managing Partner, Maxwell MacLaurin said, “We were keen to develop a sponsorship programme which would have a direct impact and we really are overwhelmed by the extent to which our funding has helped people.

“Four people now have a real opportunity to completely transform their lives and we couldn’t have expected that. Each year the GSA receives some 3,000 applications for around 300 places which is an indication of their great achievement. The students will be starting their courses this month and we really wish them every success.”

The four students include Sean Bell from Airdrie who has been accepted to study architecture; Tara Henderson also from Airdrie who will be studying textiles; and Karen McShane from Dalry and Christine Stobbs from Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, who’ll both be studying silver smithing and jewellery design.

The portfolio clinics enable potential students to meet with staff from The Glasgow School of Art on a one-to-one and small group basis providing guidance on their portfolio of work to date. During these sessions the students are issued with sketchbooks and work to a brief to create a suitable portfolio of work, as well as receiving guidance on completing application forms. Potential students also receive an insight into successful portfolios.