Best foot forward

Ruth Emily Davey at work.

Ceredigion based shoemaker Ruth Emily Davey is celebrating after winning the 2011 ‘Year in a Creative Unit Competition’ run by Aberystwyth University.

The competition, which was open to individuals or new businesses working in any field of the creative industries, offered a year’s rent free studio space in an Award winning Creative Unit at Aberystwyth Arts Centre as the prize.

Ruth, who currently handcrafts her bespoke shoes from a small workshop in Aberarth, will benefit from a modern and flexible studio space in one of the sixteen Creative Units on the Penglais campus at Aberystwyth University.
  
Ruth will join the Creative Community at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wales’ largest arts centre and recognised as a 'national flagship for the Arts', in September.

The art of shoemaking

Ruth learnt her craft as an apprentice in Ceredigion and has five years experience of designing and making shoes.  Made with high quality materials, Ruth’s handmade to measure, ‘feet shaped’ shoes, are designed to last and be repaired.   Combining traditional craft skills with innovative materials, in addition to the aesthetic appeal of the shoes, a key feature of the various styles is to promote comfort.
 
Speaking of her success Ruth said, “I entered the competition thinking it would be a wonderful opportunity to develop my business in a community of other artists and within the Arts Centre itself. Winning a ‘Year in a Creative Unit’ could not have come at a better time for me; it will to be a great step to progress my shoemaking business within a vibrant, contemporary arts scene, I am absolutely thrilled.”

Alan Hewson, Director of Aberystwyth Arts Centre said, “We are looking forward to welcoming Ruth to her new unit.  The ‘Year in a Unit’ award has been a fantastic way of giving new creative companies an opportunity to develop their business in a supportive environment – the fact that our previous winners have opted to stay in their units on a permanent basis is testament to the success of the project.”   

The ‘Year in a Creative Unit’ competition was organised by Commercialisation and Consultancy Services and Aberystwyth Arts Centre at Aberystwyth University.

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