A creative prize, in memory of a truly unique creative
Every year since 2006, three first-year students at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design have received the Benni Esposito Award.
What it is for
The award was set up by Benni's family, friends and colleagues to encourage art students to develop their talent and excel in their chosen areas of study. It is given to students on the first-year course at Duncan of Jordanstone, the course that introduces new students to many kinds of art before they choose their specialism.
Benni co-led the drawing programme on that course and loved teaching on it. The award keeps his standards, and a little of his mischief, in the room.
How the winners are chosen
The lecturing staff on the first-year drawing programme choose three students each year. They look for drawing skill, and for commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm, all things Benni cared about.
Above all, each winner has to have a certain individuality that makes their work stand out: what the staff have always called the "Benni factor".
From the start the panel has aimed to choose one winner heading for each of the college's main areas, so the award has gone to painters, illustrators, designers, textile artists, film makers and more. See every winner since 2006.
How it began
In the weeks after Benni's passing in January 2005, his friends wanted to make something that would last, and began raising money almost at once. A tribute night at Generator in Dundee, with bands, comedy, short films and a video of Benni's own stand-up, raised £1,004. Jackie Anderson's portrait of Benni was hung in the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London that summer; when it sold, she gave the £500 to the fund.
The fund is held by the University of Dundee. The first award was presented on Friday 19 May 2006, in the Reception Room at Duncan of Jordanstone, looking out across the Tay.
We ended the ceremony in true Benni fashion by heading over to Droothy Neebors for a wee drink or two.
Iain Sturrock, who co-led the drawing programme with Benni, introduced that first ceremony, and Benni's sister Sharon and brother Martin presented the awards to Bruce Shaw, Joanna Helfer and Hannah Livingston.