YOUNG Art Oxford’s annual competition returns this week to showcase more than 600 works of art created by local school children in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and AT The Bus.
Schools across the county have submitted thousands of pieces of art designed around the theme of ‘My Future World’ with 640 entries shortlisted to be exhibited at the prestigious Ashmolean Museum on Friday and Saturday (17th and 18th).
The judging panel selected its shortlist of entries submitted by 35 state and independent schools across Oxfordshire. Prizes are awarded to first, second, and third place in four separate age categories from Reception to Year Nine.
Established in 2008 with a core ethos of children supporting children, Young Art Oxford has raised over £150,000 in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital to date. The annual exhibition allows aspiring young artists to showcase their artwork in established venues across Central Oxford, with their creations judged by esteemed professionals and artists in the industry.
This year’s judging panel was made up of returning judges Korky Paul, illustrator of the Winnie the Witch series, and Dr Sarah Simblet, Professor of Drawing at The Ruskin Art School. They were joined this year by Jo Acty, founder of ArtWorks, and Professor Jennifer Sliwka, keeper of Western Art at the Ashmolean Museum.
This year, all money raised will go towards supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital and AT The Bus, an Oxfordshire-based charity that uses art as a therapy intervention to support children and young people. Funds are raised through entry fees and will be further boosted via donations and sales of prints during the exhibition.
Paula Wallace, Chair of Young Art Oxford said:
“We were thrilled to be exhibiting a record number of entries in this year’s competition and see more children than ever show off their artistic talents, all whilst raising funds for two very deserving charities.
“The quality of pieces submitted has always been fantastic and this year is no exception. The exhibition features a wide range of artistic styles and incredible creativity across all age groups, so we’d encourage everyone to visit this and admire the collection.
“We would like to thank The Ashmolean Museum for allowing us to host the event amidst the museum’s rich tapestry of centuries of art history. It will be inspirational for the children to see their artwork in one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks.
“We’d also like to give special thanks to all our supporters, in particular our principal sponsor Sporn Construction, whose backing makes this event possible each year.”
All funds raised go directly to Great Ormond Street Hospital AT The Bus. Donations can be made on the day, or online via the JustGiving page.
The exhibition is free to attend and will be open on the 17th and 18th of May between 10am and 5pm.