Annual Winners 2020

The John Byrne Award winners are chosen from all entries received throughout the competition year. We seek work that is reasoned, constructive and compelling, according to The John Byrne Award’s judging criteria.

We are honoured to announce The John Byrne 2020 award winners below.

The John Byrne Award 2020

How do we perceive borders, their notions and effects, in today’s world?

Abriele Skaite, 25 | Thanos Kyratzis, 24
Digital image , Drawing , Experimental , Image
The John Byrne Award for Positivity

What traces of ourselves do we leave behind?

Stuart Edwards, 30
Documentary , Film
Joint Winner of The John Byrne Award for Critical Thinking

At what cost to both the individual and the collective, do we demand that women artists and writers perform their trauma for social and political change?

Jenny Lindsay, 38 | Perry Jonsson, 28 | Biff Smith, 47 | Kevin McLean, 31
Film , Performance , Poetry , Spoken word
Joint Winner of The John Byrne Award for Critical Thinking

Scottish Forestry: Has profit trumped biodiversity?

Harmony Bury, 25
Installation
The John Byrne Award for Skill and Artistry

Are pills for ills, or ills for pills?

Pinkie Maclure, 58
Craft , Installation , Painting
The John Byrne Award for Community and Society

Is my broken finger the same as your broken leg?

Natalie Arle-Toyne, 39
Short story
The John Byrne Award for Innovation

I agree, we agree, but do they?

Callum Boath, 29
Documentary , Film , Interview
The John Byrne Award for a Connection to Something Greater

Out of the womb and into a prison?

Sean Lìonadh, 21
Film , Poetry