A SCOTTISH dance choreographer is to become the first ever artist in residence at BBC Radio 2.
Thomas Small, from Dundee, will create at least four artistic works for the station, which will be showcased on BBC Arts Online, Radio 2 website and digital arts organisation The Space's website.
Mr Small will receive a £15,000 bursary provided by The Space who will separately cover all materials and expenses up to a maximum budget of £20,000.
A graduate of the London Contemporary Dance School, the 38-year-old is an award-winning choreographer and a Creative Scotland Fellow who received four star reviews and award nominations for his acclaimed work, 'Within This Dust', presented internationally in New York City, Sao Paulo and Berlin.
He was appointed Choreographer in Residence at Scottish School of Contemporary Dance, and appointed Artist in Residence at The Byre Theatre, St Andrews in 2006.
Mr Small said: "I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to be appointed the first BBC Radio 2 Artist in Residence.
"Following a knee jerk, lip tremble and a small wobble, I'm completely over the moon. This is an unrivalled opportunity to push my artistic practice forward with the support and guidance of a high profile mentor.
"I've got some exciting projects planned to respond to the fantastic programme of Radio 2 events and I cannot wait to get stuck in."
Artists applying for the spot, which is awarded through an association between the BBC and The Space, had their work judged by a panel including Sir Peter Blake, Radio 2 Arts Show presenter Claudia Winkleman, Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan and Anthony Lilley, interim CEO and Creative Director of The Space.
Five shortlisted artists were invited to present their work to the panel at Radio 2 in London on June 5th 2015.
Sir Peter Blake said: "The Bursary will be an enormous boost for Tommy and his wonderful commitment to the world of dance, especially in Scotland. I look forward to seeing his stand out moments on both a local and national level."
Radio 2 Arts Show presenter, Claudia Winkleman, added: "I'm proud that the Radio 2 Arts Show will launch Tommy on to the major stage of BBC Radio 2.
"There is such a broad scope to his work - it can span from mass participation events to high end performance at a major Arts festival. I'm excited about spending time with Tommy on his amazing artistic journey throughout the year of events on BBC Radio 2."
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