A Glasgow artist and designer has been selected to create the awards objects for the 2014 Arts & Business Scotland Awards. Fraser Ross has been commissioned to fabricate 20 pieces based on the theme of connectivity to be presented to the Awards winners at a ceremony in October.

The 2014 Awards will be held in the Theatre Royal Glasgow. Events Manager Lindsay Rodger said: “The A&B Scotland Awards are renowned for being a major event in the cultural and business calendar so as ever we were looking for something really special from the objects which embraced this year’s theme of connectivity. Fraser Ross’ ideas and designs immediately struck a chord with us and we’re delighted to be working with him and excited to see the project come to fruition.”

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. This year’s partnership categories are placemaking, people, digital innovation, entrepreneurial/sustainability and international with further awards including the coveted Leadership Award, this year sponsored by Chevron Upstream Europe, the Glasgow Life Award and the Enterprising Museum Award sponsored by Museums Galleries Scotland.

Glasgow based artist Fraser Ross said the impressive shortlist for this year’s categories inspired him to apply for the commission. He said: “This is a fantastic project to be involved in, to design, fabricate and document the process for the awards objects is really appealing to me as a maker. The collaborations between the arts and business sectors are really inspiring and I’m looking forward to developing pieces to reward the creativity being celebrated at the Awards ceremony.”

The concept of connectivity runs through the evening with the schools arts project which will create decorative pieces for the evening also based on this theme. Fraser Ross added: “The theme is very fitting as most of our work is interactive, connecting people and objects. The vision is to create smart and playful works inspired by the behaviour of living organisms, amalgamating sustainable materials, innovative methods and new technologies, to evoke personal value, open our imaginations, and make us smile.” 

The Awards ceremony takes place on Friday 24th October where the winners will be announced in front of a 300 strong audience of members of the business, arts and media communities