Glenfiddich, Canada’s favourite single malt scotch whisky, proudly names Alex Morrison of Vancouver, British Columbia, as the 2025 recipient of the Glenfiddich “Artists in Residence” Program. The prestigious residency consists of a three-month, all-expenses paid residency at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland. Alex Morrison is the 19th Canadian recipient of the Glenfiddich “Artists in Residence” Program.
Alex Morrison has been working as a professional artist for 25 years and has exhibited his work internationally in exhibitions across the globe, including Contemporary Art Gallery, Vancouver (2022); Levy Delval, Brussels (2017); and Komplot, Brussels (2016), amongst others. His practice employs painting, sculpture, and ceramic mediums in the exploration of the social and spatial histories of Canada’s West Coast, where Morrison was raised. Blurring the lines between sculpture, furniture, and décor, Alex’s work incorporates biographical references and historical research, along with appropriations from fine art, folk vernacular, and sub-culture.
“Thematically, my work focuses on the intersection of heritage, the built environment, and selfhood, examining how various materials, aesthetics, and objects associated with public and domestic spaces in the present simultaneously shape and are shaped by visual identity, societal values, and our understanding of the past,” comments Alex Morrison. “I am incredibly honoured to explore these processes while immersing myself in the rich, storied landscape of the Glenfiddich Distillery.”
During the three-month residency in Dufftown, Scotland, Morrison plans to conduct an architectural design case study. The study will explore art forms at the distillery that serve dual purposes, specifically the rooftop pagoda forms of the distillery, initially designed by Architect Charles Doig, creator of the Doig Ventilator (1889). The Doig Ventilator was originally designed as a ventilation system adopted by distilleries in Speyside and beyond. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of Glenfiddich’s storied past, Morrison aims to create a repeating pattern design that could be applied to wallpaper, textiles or packaging design, combining his interest in architectural and design history, pace making and marketing promotional aesthetics.
“Year after year, we continue to see incredibly inspired proposals for the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Program,” comments Andy Fairgrieve, Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Program Curator. “I look forward to welcoming Alex Morrison in Dufftown this summer and anticipate this residency will offer a rewarding experience as he draws inspiration from the historical grounds of the Glenfiddich Distillery.”
The Glenfiddich “Artists in Residence” Program is recognized and celebrated in global art communities as one of the world’s most prestigious artist residencies, receiving hundreds of applications annually. The program transports winning artists from across the globe to the historic Dufftown setting, deep in the Scottish Highlands, amidst the rolling hills and timeless rhythms of the Glenfiddich Distillery and its storied past.
The 2025 residency marks the 24th anniversary of the global Glenfiddich “Artist in Residence” program and the 19th year of the program in Canada.
“Glenfiddich is proud to continue its tradition of supporting creativity and craftsmanship within the Canadian arts community through the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Program,” says Navneet Bhullar, Marketing Manager for Glenfiddich in Canada. “We are excited to welcome Alex Morrison into the community of artists at the Glenfiddich Distillery during this residency and can’t wait to see the work he’ll create.”
