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 a DD postcode are invited to outline how they propose to create bespoke prizes that respond to the theme of sustainability.
Underpinning the commission is the theme of sustainability, so we are particularly interested in hearing from those developing innovative ideas and processes which focus on circular design, ethical considerations and a zero-waste approach. Applications are particularly welcome 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 a Dundee postcode area? Learn more and express your interest in undertaking The SAY Award 2026 Design Commission by midnight Wednesday 22 July 2026.
Design Commission Expressions of Interest Open: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Design Commission Expressions of Interest Close: Midnight, Wednesday 22 July 2026
Photo by Grant_Anderson
Photo by Claire Irwin
Photo by Claire Irwin
Photo by Claire Irwin
