Design Commission
A unique feature of The SAY Award is its Design Commission. Each year, the SAY Award Design Commission funds an artist, designer or maker to create the bespoke prizes for the bands and artists recognised at The SAY Award Ceremony, highlighting the enduring links between music, art and design in Scotland. Previous makers have fabricated jesmonite arches, used natural slate veneer, and have created sand-cast sculptures using recycled glass.
As part of our host city partnership with Dundee, artists, designers or makers living or working within the Dundee City Council area are invited to outline how they’d propose to create the bespoke prizes responding to the theme of sustainability.
Underpinning the commission is the theme of sustainability, so we’re particularly interested to hear from those developing innovative ideas and processes which focus on circular design, ethical considerations and a zero-waste approach. Applications are particularly welcomed from those developing innovative ideas and processes which place sustainability at their core in terms of proposed materials and production methods.
Applicants are encouraged to seek inspiration from the city and region of Dundee for their submissions.
Applicants are invited to reflect on questions around what an ‘award’ is in the context of the climate emergency, whilst celebrating how music and design elevate our lives.
Are you a maker based in the Dundee City Council area? Learn more and express your interest in undertaking The SAY Award 2025 Design Commission by midnight Tuesday 15 July 2025.
Design Commission Expressions of Interest Open: Tuesday 24 June 2025
Design Commission Expressions of Interest Close: Midnight, Tuesday 15 July 2025
Photos by Claire Irwin
