From April to August I undertook the role of curatorial intern to curate an exhibition opening the design process of the 2014 and 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Medals, and accompanying accessible workshop and engagement programme. In doing so I developed a socially engaged and accessible curatorial framework that mediated objects, processes, and the audience experience, to create an exhibition journey that connected diverse audiences through both material objects and shared cultural narratives – celebrating design history, artistic practice, sporting endeavour and appreciation, and public participation in an accessible way that resonated on all levels. As the medals contained braille on them for the first time, making it the first truly inclusive medal design, 3D prints to be handled by the visitor were displayed alongside archival, visual and film works. Materials and interpretation were sourced and researched through visits and conversation with the GSA Archives and Collections and the University of Stirling Archives teams.

Original exhibition text:

Inspired by the Glasgow 2026 Festival theme of ‘Celebration’, this exhibition brings the medal design process to life. Featuring materials from The Glasgow School of Art Archives & Collections alongside film, this immersive exhibition follows the creative journey behind the making of both the 2014 and 2026 Glasgow medals, from first sketches to finished objects, opening up the process from the inside. The Glasgow School of Art’s international reputation in Silversmithing & Jewellery makes it a natural partner for the Commonwealth Games medals — a relationship that has shaped both the 2014 and 2026 designs.

The medals from 2014 were made by award-winning artist, designer, jeweller and academic, Dr Jonathan Boyd, capturing the industrial history and uniqueness of Glasgow. The 2026 medals have been designed by award-winning artist, designer, silversmith and GSA graduate Militsa Milenkova, originally from Bulgaria, exploring her connection to the city as her chosen home. Featuring braille and tactile elements for the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games, the 2026 medal ensures inclusion is tangible and physically felt in the hands of every athlete. Inspired by Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage, rich landscape and coat of arms, the medal takes the form of a Reuleaux triangle, featuring the iconic Finnieston Crane, Scottish tartan and the three tiers of the podium, forming a rich surface and story to be unravelled and discovered.

The exhibition will feature materials including original sketches, design proposals and wax and 3D printed models alongside medals, commemorative and fashion pieces from the 2014 games.

It also premieres Designing the Games, a short film by BAFTA Scotland-winning filmmaker and GSA graduate Callum Rice. Weaving together process, archive material and voices from across the school, the city and the Games, the film explores reach, impact and legacy, and its role in shaping the next generation of designers.

Connecting the objects, the making, and the stories that carry across cultures and bring people together, the exhibition traces the design decisions, materials, feelings and ideas that shape a symbol of sporting excellence, cultural identity, friendship and belonging.