Anna-Maria Desogus Memorial Award

THE ANNA-MARIA DESOGUS MEMORIAL AWARD - Brighton University: 3D Design & Craft

“I set up the Anna-Maria Desogus Memorial Award in 2011, in memory of my dear friend and fellow artist, Anna-Maria. It is an honour to have worked closely with the University of Brighton over the past fifteen years. Each year, in collaboration with Anna’s family, we award two prizes for students on the 3D Design & Craft BA (Hons); a Graduate Award, and a 2nd Year Award. Both awards share the same criteria which are intended to reflect Anna’s exceptional qualities”.
- Jehane Boden Spiers

Anna-Maria Desogus (1968 - 2008)

Anna captured the essence of a beautiful woman. With Italian roots, her sense of style was innate. I first met Anna in 1996 when we exhibited our art together at the Spring Fair in Birmingham. Anna was teaching Art to the lifers at Winsom Green at the time, a job which she did for 10 years. With an MA in 3-D Ceramics (Carmarthan) she inspired the in-mates to make furniture and exhibit their work in local galleries. She later founded ZI Interiors where she incorporated her own 3-D designs and furniture. Anna was due to meet Tracey Emin the week before she died - they would have set the world to rights.

Obituary in The Guardian by Dee Edwards.

The Award Criteria:

The criteria reflect Anna’s qualities; making a strong visual statement: using innovative and creative consideration of materials, exploring subject matter or form: thinking ‘outside the box’: showing social awareness.

PRIZE-WINNERS - The Anna Maria Desogus Memorial Award - established 2011.

The Anna Maria Desogus Memorial Award - established 2011.

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GRADUATE AWARDS - Prize-winners  

Prize-winners: Rebecca Cormack (2026), Sarah McBrearty (2025), Caroline Bennett (2024), Fe Stevens (2023), Bronte Simpson-Little (2020), Laila Laurel (2019), Luke Fuller (2018), Iona Aitchison (2017), Isabella Stone-Wilson (2016).

Level 5 - 2nd YEAR AWARDS - Prize-winners  

Prize-winners: Finn Copper (2026), Rebecca Cormack (2025), Shade Gadamsi (2024), Caroline Bennett (2023), Dan Howey (2020), Bronte Simpson-Little (2019), Rosie Tweedale (2018), Luke Fuller (2017), Darwin Simmonds (2016) Veega Tankun (2015), Aphrodite Theochari (2014), Erlina Beare Gottison (2013) ,Stephanie Holmes (2012), and Stephanie Iles (2011).

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GRADUATE - Highly Commended

Highly Commended: Amber Curtis (2026), Tesni Callenig-Smith (2023), Ollie John (2020), Ava Vaughan (2019), Jemima Bellamy (2018), Jack Scott (2017).

Level 5 - 2nd Year - Highly Commended

Highly Commended: Helene McCarthy (2023), Immy Gray (2020), Ollie John (2019), Chris Pearce (2018), Zoe Rae (2017), Nedine Luke (2016), Nathan Lisher (2015), Alexi Simmons (2014), Tsuwan Hsieh (2013), Josh Bitelli, (2012).

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With warm thanks to Jem Ryan, Alma Boyes, and the team at the University of Brighton for their ongoing support.

Catturando l'essenza della bella donna' - Capturing the Essence of a Beautiful Woman

Anna’s legacy is of visual and courageous statements. Pushing the boundaries in both life and Art.