Art competition looking for East Midlands’ most talented sixth formers

The University of Northampton’s Schools Art and Design Competition is once again open for entries.

Now in its fourth year, the competition is aimed at sixth-form students from across the East Midlands, and aims to find the region’s brightest young artistic talent.

Entries are invited in six categories, with a total prize fund of over £4,000 – and a further prize of £500 to the most outstanding submission which will be awarded to the winner’s school.

Last year, the most outstanding work in the exhibition was awarded to Natalie Rogers from Kettering Buccleugh Academy for her drawing ‘Anita’.

Dr Ralph Darbyshire, Subject Leader for Fine Art at the University of Northampton, commented: “The quality of the work last year was extraordinary. I think it is becoming clear that there is something very special happening in Art and Design within our local schools and colleges, something that signals a resourceful, dynamic and culturally progressive future for our region.”

Furniture manufacturer Ocee Design have returned as sponsors for the Drawing prize, whilst the other awards are for Fine Art; Digital and New Media; Graphics and Illustration; Fashion and Textiles; and Three Dimensional Design.

Selected entries will be displayed in an exhibition at the University’s Avenue Gallery over the first two weeks of December, offering students and teachers an opportunity to see their work displayed alongside other schools from across the region.

All those taking part will be invited to the exhibition launch party and award ceremony at the end of November.

Last year, prize winning students came from Jack Hunt School, Kettering Buccleugh Academy, Kimbolton School, Moulton School, Northampton School for Girls, Sawtry Village Academy, and Wellingborough School.

Bishop Stopford School, Northampton College, Northampton High School, Northampton School for Boys, Ousedale School, Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, and Weavers Academy also submitted successful entries.

The University of Northampton is dedicated to making Northamptonshire the best place in the UK for children and young people to flourish and learn.

The School Arts competition is just one of the University’s many initiatives which aim to inspire today’s youngsters to learn, create, and aim high.

More information about the contest can be found here, or alternatively, please contact:

Suzanne Stenning, Gallery Administrator
01604 893050
suzanne.stenning@northampton.ac.uk

Image at top: ‘My Friend Vim’ by Darcey Murphy. Winner, 2016 Vice Chancellor’s Prize for Fine Art.

Entries must be delivered to the University of Northampton’s Avenue Campus, St George’s Avenue, NN2 6JD  on Thursday 9th November and Friday 10th November.

The Exhibition will be open to the public: Friday 1st December – Thursday 14th December, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.