University of Sunderland student’s artwork celebrated with Dogger Bank purchase prize award

We are delighted to announce that Emily Hamilton has been awarded the Dogger Bank purchase prize award for five of her artwork pieces from her final year degree show. Emily said on winning the prize, “I am so happy that my work was selected for this award. It was a perfect ending to my degree and a promising start to my career as an artist.”

I love seeing my paintings alongside so many amazing works from past students, and I hope my paintings bring a smile to the people who work at Dogger Bank”.

Born in Bishop Auckland, Emily creates ‘dream-like worlds’ within her art that explore the feeling of living in a fake reality, the belief you are the only person who exists, nothing is real and nobody else can prove you are conscious.

Emily’s winning pieces focus on the medieval character of the Jester; a silly unserious character, with the ability to have political influence in the royal court. The Jesters show the cruelties of war, and how in this alternate reality, each side's differences result in the end of the world.

Mark Halliday, Dogger Bank Operations Director, said: “We are proud to support local artists through our purchase prize award. Emily’s artwork is a fantastic addition to our world-class operations base, where it adds a touch of creativity for our team members and visitors to see. At Dogger Bank Wind Farm, we are committed to giving back to the communities where we operate, investing in local initiatives and supporting the development of local talent.”

Dogger Bank Wind Farm is working with Newcastle art gallery Gallagher and Turner on the purchase prize, with a planned yearly purchase prize for art students at Newcastle and Sunderland Universities. Selected works will be displayed at the Wind Farm’s Operations and Maintenance base.

Professor Kevin Petrie, Professor of Creative Practice at the University of Sunderland, said: “It’s wonderful for the University of Sunderland to be a part of the Dogger Bank Purchase prize as it aims to enhance the working environment of those involved in a really important project for sustainability and the environment. This is central to our curriculum in Media and Creative Industry subjects where our students are using their creativity to make the World a better place. In Emily’s case, she is creating pieces that will intrigue and delight those who see the pieces on display. This prize is also an important career boost for those like Emily who are setting up in business as creatives.”

Over 30 pieces of art from North East artists, supplied by Gallagher and Turner, are already permanently displayed at the operations and maintenance base.

Clare Turner, Partner, Gallagher & Turner said: “It’s been an important part of Gallagher & Turner’s process to work with Dogger Bank O&M Base employees to establish a connection with the artworks selected, curating works that they like. After consulting with the team we wanted to represent intergenerational talent from across the North East. The Dogger Bank Purchase Prize is selected by Dogger Bank Employees, and has been a great way to showcase and support exciting new art graduates within this evolving collection.”

In 2024, three original murals were installed at the base, all featuring original designs by local primary school children, in a collaboration between Gallagher and Turner, South Tyneside Council, and Foundation Press.

In June, Dogger Bank Wind Farm announced additional funding of £25 million to support coastal communities across the North and North East of England, over its planned 35-year operational lifespan. This commitment includes funding projects that enhance STEM education to help young people gain the skills and knowledge required to fulfil their potential in a net zero world.

The new community fund builds on the £1 million community fund set up during the construction phase of Dogger Bank, which has already supported more than 36,000 young people across 204 schools, provided 62 university scholarships, and provided 87 grants to local community groups.

Find out more about this £25 million commitment from Dogger Bank Wind Farm here. Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). SSE Renewables is lead operator for the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Equinor will be lead operator of the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years. Vårgrønn (controlled by ENI) provides specialist offshore wind expertise to the project.