An Edinburgh designer has been selected to create the Awards objects for the Arts & Business Scotland (A&BS) 30th Annual Awards. Oliver F. Conway who has previously redesigned the coveted statuette for the Scottish BAFTAs will fabricate 20 pieces based on the theme of ‘One Hundred Cogs’ to be presented to winners at a ceremony in March 2017.

A former student from Glasgow School of Art, Oliver has a background in architecture but during his time at college worked as an apprentice to a master sculptor before taking over the business, making awards to his original designs. As well as redesigning the BAFTAs Oliver has also created awards objects for the Herald Angels and Scottish Politician of the Year. The A&BS project will be Oliver’s most significant venture using his own designs.

Oliver F. Conway said: “I am delighted to be part of the esteemed list of 30 Arts & Business Scotland artists and I am hoping to continue the variety illustrated by the back catalogue of award objects. At the core of this year’s award designs are themes of continuity and connectivity, as well as a sense of fun”.

The Awards objects will be made from precision-cut timber taking the form of ‘One Hundred Cogs’. 20 similar but unique award pieces will then together form one single installation which will include many cogs of different sizes and shapes meshing together in unison to perform a single continuous hand-powered moving sculpture. ‘One Hundred Cogs’ is a way of illustrating the synergy between the many facets and individuals within the spheres of Art & Business Scotland.

The creation of the Awards Objects is sponsored by Atlantic Quay. Angela Higgins of Resonance Capital the joint venture partner with Moorfield Group in the multimillion pound refurbishment of Buildings 1, 2 and 3 Atlantic Quay added: “As we revitalise Atlantic Quay Buildings 1, 2 and 3 to create a contemporary business destination on Glasgow’s waterfront, we are proud to sponsor the Awards Objects and show our support for the arts and its significant contribution to Scotland’s creative and economic well-being.

“The ethos behind Oliver Conway’s Awards Objects ‘One Hundred Cogs’ is beautifully considered and we see it as a rare opportunity to connect people in our business community with the arts and to be a part of a legacy project.”

The 30th Annual Awards party will take place at Glasgow Royal Concert Halls in the New Auditorium on Thursday 23 March 2017. The evening will include an address from the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop MSP, with a welcome party, drinks and hot buffet, interspersed with arts performances. The final design of the awards objects is being kept a closely guarded secret until the ceremony where they will be presented to the winners.