At ArtCenter, $1 Million Gift Establishes Ian Cameron Design Scholarship

ArtCenter College of Design has announced the Ian Cameron Design Scholarship, a newly endowed fund launched with a $1 million gift from philanthropist and car collector John Aycoth.

The scholarship honors Aycoth’s close friend, British automotive designer Ian Cameron (March 26, 1950 – July 12), known for his work on the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, 100EX, Drophead Coupé, Coupe Aviator, Ghost and Wraith. Cameron’s legacy blends tradition and innovation, and Aycoth aims to grow the fund to $5 million or more.

“Ian was a great friend and one of the renowned automotive designers, dedicated to helping others pursue careers in the field,” Aycoth said. “After his tragic and untimely passing last year, I felt it was important to memorialize his incredible design legacy through a scholarship in his honor.”

The scholarship will support emerging Transportation Design students at ArtCenter who reflect Cameron’s talent and creative spirit. Though Cameron was not an alumnus, Aycoth chose ArtCenter due to Cameron’s long collaboration with Marek Djordjevic, Chair of the Transportation Design program.

“From working with Ian, I saw how deeply he believed in the power and purpose of good design,” Djordjevic said. “He resisted trends in favor of enduring elegance and meaningful detail. This scholarship allows his creative philosophy to take root in our students.”

ArtCenter President Karen Hofmann noted, “By honoring Ian Cameron’s extraordinary legacy, John is also helping to shape the future of transportation design. This scholarship will open doors for talented students and help launch impactful careers.”

The announcement follows the opening of the Mullin Transportation Design Center, a 31,000-square-foot facility funded by Peter and Merle Mullin. Located in a repurposed supersonic wind tunnel, the center offers advanced studios, fabrication spaces and public galleries.

“The Mullin Center expanded what is possible for our students,” Djordjevic said. “Welcoming this scholarship now allows us to support their potential even further.”

ArtCenter, founded in 1930 in Pasadena, is a global leader in art and design education and the first design school to receive United Nations NGO status.

For more information or to contribute, visit  http://artcenter.edu/Ian-Cameron-scholarship