Awards have been handed out to celebrate School of Arts and Creative Industries students
A selection of outstanding projects from Edinburgh Napier University’s 2023 Degree Show have been recognised with a series of awards, including Best in Show for five different subjects.
The prizes were presented during the launch of Edinburgh Napier University’s annual celebration of work from the School of Arts and Creative Industries at its Merchiston campus, attended by students, guests and industry experts.
People have the chance to see the diverse projects – including the prize winners – until 1 June.
Dr Diane Maclean Dean of the School of Arts and Creative Industries said: “Our students should be proud of the work they have put in to prepare for this year’s Degree Show – which celebrates such a diverse range of creative skills.
“These Best in Show winners have shown outstanding talent to be recognised among an imaginative and innovative group of peers.”
Prizes were handed out to these winners across the following categories:
Interior & Spatial Design
The Form Design Award – Cloé Robson, Rapt in Awe
Cloé’s imagining of an immersive visitor experience at the Whaligoe Steps at Lybster, in the Scottish Highlands, features a cantilever waterfall walkway and suspended viewing platform. Judges at Form Design described the idea as ‘invigorating’.
Best in Show, sponsored by Bright – Jacqueline Borland, Future Moves
Future Moves is the vision of a careers, knowledge and learning hub in the heart of Glasgow’s West End. It drew praise from judges Bright for being a strong, confident submission.
Graphic Design
StudioLR Gutsy Graduate Award – Ben Polley, The Good People of Scotland
Dedicated to keeping ancient Scottish folklore and folk tales alive through contemporary design and streetwear, Ben Polley created The Good People as a subscription-based community – which impressed judges at StudioLR.
Best in Show – Kiera McGrory, Retrojet
Described as ‘fun’ and ‘playful’ by judges, Kiera McGrory’s project Retrojet satirises the excesses and hypocrisies of the travel industry with bright, eye-catching designs in the style of holiday marketing.
Product Design
Best in Show, sponsored by Bright Red Triangle – Anna Hardie, Tabs
Anna Hardie’s product Tabs is a wireless organisation system for refilled ingredients, encouraging shoppers to ditch packaging. Bright Red Triangle judges praised her consideration for customers and how best to take the idea to market.
Creative Advertising
Best in Show, sponsored by Studio Something (with Innis & Gunn) – Brianna Price and Mairi Macrae, Heineken Stim
Heineken Stim takes a brief from the brewing giant to create a campaign around a bottle to make socialising more fun for people with neurodiversity. Judges Studio Something hailed the teamwork shown by Brianna Price and Mairi Macrae to come up with the idea.
Photography
Fine Art Award, sponsored by WEX Photo Video – Christy Cannon, The Death of a Princess
Inspired by stories such as those of the Brothers Grimm, The Death of a Princess subverts stereotypical depictions of women in fairy tales by eliminating their dependency to male figure.
Commercial Photography Award, sponsored by WEX Photo Video – Bethany Craig, Slow it Down
Slow It Down focuses on sustainable fashion – aiming to demonstrate the possibilities of a more ethically-conscious fashion industry which is less reliant on over-production and consumption.
Best in Show – Abi Avery, Beyond the Sport
Abi Avery’sportrait series Beyond the Sport combines audio and imagery to celebrate women and non-binary athletes. Judges praised the project for its intimacy and connection with the subjects.