Internationally Renowned Artist Sponsors the Adlard Art Scholarship

An internationally renowned artist is to fund an arts scholarship and has helped create a new art studio at a Shropshire College.

Charlie Adlard, the artist for The Walking Dead and former Comic Laureate, will part-fund the scholarship for a teenager to study A-Level or International Baccalaureate Art at Ellesmere College from September for the duration of the two year course.

Charlie, who lives in Shrewsbury, said he was very excited about offering the opportunity to a budding artist at Ellesmere College.

"I'm incredibly proud to be sponsoring the Adlard Art Scholarship at a school where art is more than just an extra-curricular activity - it really matters here," he said. "I've been involved in Art as Education more in the last few years due to my role as UK Comics Laureate, and have become increasingly aware of the importance of such things. I hope, in some small way, my contribution will help someone achieve their dreams, just like I did."

The Adlard Art Scholar will be based at the College Adlard Studio, a new studio part funded by Mr Adlard which will give a higher platform to showcase some of the excellent art work created by students there.

Charlie is most well known for being the penciller on the Walking Dead since 2004; his other notable works include Savage, the X Files and the 2000AD series, including Judge Dredd, and Armitage.

He is a regular supporter of Ellesmere College and last year featured previously unseen artwork, life drawing sketches and original pieces from published works at the seventh National Art Exhibition and Sale of Works at the College.

Mr Adlard added: "Creative subjects are so important to both education and in the business world, but the government don't prioritise them enough. The creative arts are always playing second fiddle to academic subjects in terms of government funding and priorities - even in inspections and the like.

"Teenagers need to know the opportunities available to them, the careers that can be made and how much job satisfaction can be had out of a life in the arts world as well."

Head of Art at Ellesmere College Siobhan Phillips, who helped the College achieve its Artmark Platinum accreditation, said this was a huge boost.

"Not only is it is wonderful to be able to offer a new scholarship and studio here at Ellesmere College - but to have these opportunities through an internationally renowned artist and a current parent is a real testament," she said. "We thank Charlie and are so pleased he wants to give back in this way."

Students interested in applying can find more details here: Adlard Art Scholarship

2nd April 2019  Back to News