Andy Fairgrieve
Coordinator and Curator of the Glenfiddich Artist in Residence Program
As coordinator for the Glenfiddich Artist in Residence program, Andy Fairgrieve is the prestigious program’s colourful, redheaded dreadlocked go-to-guy-in-a-kilt. Don’t let the bohemian look and casual demeanor fool you – he is as detailed as any Edinburgh banker. Andy holds the all-inclusive role of coordinator/curator – from artist selection and organization of visas and travel arrangements, to assisting the artists in their projects, sourcing materials and resources, all in all ensuring that artists get the very best of experiences while in residence. Andy neatly sums his role, “In short I act as a local guide, curator and gallery technician. For me whisky is all about relationships, bringing people together and sharing with friends. With that in mind it’s a positive reinforcement of ‘guid’ Highland hospitality that each year, over the weeks and months that the artists are here, lasting associations are formed”.
Andy has been handling every detail of the Artist in Residence program since its beginning in the summer of 2002. Initially his roll-up the sleeves hands-on approach ensured that the renovations of the old gift shop into an exhibition space and the cottages to house the artists on the Glenfiddich distillery grounds were complete and ready to receive the first arriving artists. Andy’s initial contract was for six months and now 10 years later he views his experience and position, “as a wonderful and unique privilege to be part of the Artist in Residence Program as it developed and matured – just like fine malt”.
One of the things Andy loves most about being the Curator of the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence program is the mission to encourage people to delight in life’s adventures. He remembers Alex Frost, a 2009 visiting artist who once told him that, “The Glenfiddich Artists in Residence program is a fantastic idea and I think more companies should do it. Glenfiddich has the foresight to actually see that there’s something very interesting at The Glenfiddich Distillery for artists to be able to work with in terms of reacting to the landscape and reacting to the contents – it’s a very clever concept”. Hearing feedback like this makes Andy very proud about what he does.
Andy points out that after 10 years the program remains, “vibrant and has earned a world-wide reputation for its un-prescriptive and supportive approach. What never ceases to amaze me is that despite having had almost 70 artists through our doors since we began, each one of them always sees the distillery with fresh eyes. I feel as long as we can carry on in this vein the program will continue to delight and surprise for years to come!”
Notes to editors
About Artists in Residence Program
Each year, the Artists in Residence program invites 7-8 artists from around the world to take up residency at the Glenfiddich Distillery for a period of three months, producing art inspired by its history, heritage, people, craftsmanship and surroundings. This is the 10th anniversary of the program, which began at the Glenfiddich Distillery in 2002. The value of the award to each of the selected artists now totals more than £12,000. Each artist produces at least one newly-created work which is donated to the distillery’s ever growing collection.
William Grant & Sons Ltd
William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1887 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family. Recently named 2011 Distiller of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, William Grant & Sons distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie® single malts and one of the world’s best loved blended Scotches, Grant’s®, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick’s® Gin, and Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum, Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky and Tullamore Dew®.
PMA Canada
William Grant & Sons is represented in Canada by PMA Canada, Canada’s largest importer of premium wines and spirits since 1979.
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For additional information, please contact:
Sharyn Thomas / Alexandra Sockett
Jesson + Company Communications
T: 416-323-7828
