ETA 2020 Winner Reports

Having worked on the frontline fighting COVID-19, Dr Gayatri Saxena, Class of 2011, used her Award to develop specialist training for medical students whose training had been hit by the pandemic.

She was able to create a new interactive virtual simulation package which allowed students to decide the next course of action. "We could then show students how their answer progressed the scenario clinically and whether they needed to go back and rethink. It was a cool project and we were able to inject some much-needed fun into learning at a point when students were as fed up as the rest of the planet and growing ever-anxious about falling behind in learning to be a junior doctor."

Clothes designer Priya Velusami, Class of 1997, used her Award to develop a website and expand her product range for her new business selling colourful accessories and kids wear made from upcycled saris.

Priya says: "Receiving the Emerging Talent award has helped me to create my own website and expand my product range to include bags, bunting and baby muslins. This gave me confidence to think about the business as a real brand, one that was no longer just a hobby. I have since gained press coverage in national newspapers, radio interviews, podcasts and have climbed a steep learning curve in digital marketing."

Composer Kate Marlais, Class of 2002, who is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, put her Award to use to help fund the recording of her first-ever album.

She says: "It was a joy to be afforded the time to create my own music again, and also get back in the studio with my co-producer Jon, after such a strange year of pandemic. It made my creative process feel all the more special and vital."

Theatre maker and performance artist Antonia Beck, Class of 2003, tells stories using writing, theatre and music. She used her Award to help her explore the concept of creating new rituals and connections.

Antonia says: "I’ve started writing a piece of performance poetry which will become the narrative of a new site-specific performance in 2022. Inviting audiences to come together and take part in a new creative experience that explores intentional and everyday ritual, the art and importance of being, and encourages connection amongst a group of strangers."

To read their full reports, please visit the Emerging Talent page here.