School pupils with special educational needs in North East Lincolnshire are being urged to enter a new competition for art and photography.
The Linkage ArtBeat challenge for 2016 is being launched this winter by the learning disability charity, Linkage as part of its 40th anniversary.
The contest was created to encourage creativity by pupils at both mainstream and special schools. As well as cash prizes for the winners, the result was a colourful display of images which formed a touring exhibition at winning schools, libraries, and the Lincolnshire Show, as well as forming a calendar for 2016.
Pupils can enter the competition through these age categories – under 14, under 16 and over 16 in both photography and art. Whilst the competition has a open theme, art or photography around birthdays, celebrates, milestones or anniversaries are welcome. The work does not need to have been completed in lessons but entries need to come via school.
Linkage’s Communications and PR Manager, Tony Barker, who is organising the contest, says: “The first year of the competition went really well and uncovered some amazing talent and creativity, with the winners receiving prize money totalling more than £1,000. We want more people to share in Linkage ArtBeat so are keen to welcome entries from areas like North East Lincolnshire.”
For 2016, the competition has a closing date of Friday 12th February and an awards ceremony is being scheduled for April in Lincoln. The prizes include art materials from the Society for All Artists. Full terms and conditions will be sent out with entry packs to all schools.
The independent judging panel includes Linkage co-founder Don MacKenzie and Yorkshire artist and BBC Radio Humberside presenter, Phil White.
To register your details, email tony.barker@linkage.org.uk.