Ijeh Onyinye – University Alliance Awards

Now in their seventh year, the Alliance Awards are a chance to celebrate the hard work and dedication of colleagues and teams across the University Alliance.  This year the Alliance Awards will be hosted by and delivered in partnership with The University of Derby. 

Taking place on Thursday 3 September, the Alliance Awards is a red carpet event, with dinner, drinks and dancing, and will feature live entertainment from students at the university, a gala dinner and more. 

This year’s awards will be created by one of our 2025/26 student residency winners, Ijeh Onyinye. Ijeh submitted her design in an open call via the university. Her design was chosen for it’s unique response to the Derbyshire countryside and natural forms, along with her attention to sustainable practice through her choice of materials.  

Ijeh’s design titled “Roots of Innovation”, takes inspiration from the flowing river Derwent and the rings of a tree. The design celebrates the growth of knowledge, the strength of collaboration and the natural heritage of the Derbyshire landscape.  

Alongside this, Ijeh will be celebrating her 12 month residency at Banks Mill with a solo exhibition in the Banks Mill foyer gallery space for more information on the exhibition visit: Natural Flow Exhibition