University calls on budding young artists to brighten up the current Waterside construction site

The University of Northampton is calling on budding young artists across the county to help create some eye-catching artwork to be displayed on the hoardings surrounding the construction site of its new Waterside campus.

The competition is open to children and young people throughout Northamptonshire and aims to open their eyes to the heritage of their county and give them a better understanding of its history and how to protect it.

The creative task is for each entrant to produce an individual piece of art that represents what living in Northamptonshire means to them by taking inspiration from iconic structures, landscapes, favourite places, art or culture. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, boldness and impact.

The winning artists will then be invited to come and paint their designs onto the screens, as well as having the opportunity to have a look around the construction site and see the progress that is being made on the new Waterside campus.

The chosen artwork will also be entered into the national Ivor Goodsite Hoarding competition, which saw over 2,800 children take part last year.

Tim Dobson, Head of Schools Engagement at the University of Northampton, commented: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people throughout the county to really show their creativity with the chance to display it on public hoardings where thousands of people, visitors and residents will see their work.

“We are aiming to get young people to use their local heritage to connect where they live, work, play and learn and gain more of an understanding about how it forms part of the county’s history so they become proud of where they live.

“We will also be working with local artist Marvin Mudzongo from Lemonpop Workshops Ltd as he will be transcribing the designs and supporting the winning artists whilst they create the art installation.”

The competition is open to all children and young people in Northamptonshire and entries should be two-dimensional and A3 in size, with name, age and school written clearly on the back. All artwork should be sent to Linda Davis-Sinclair, at the University of Northampton, St George’s Avenue, Northampton, NN2 6JD by Friday 28 April 2017.