CityLife

City schools shortlisted for art prize

Sale Grammar School's Victoria Hong's 'Hidden Places'

SOME of the brightest young talents in the art world have been shortlisted for the annual Unilever International Schools Art Project – including pupils from two Manchester schools.

Out of the vast entries of work from schools across the UK, 25 were shortlisted, including Beswick’s Church of England School of the Resurrection and Sale Grammar School.

A judging panel will now choose the best work of art from each age group to represent the UK at a celebratory event in London - a display of some of their work will be exhibited at Tate Liverpool from January 20.  

Gavin Neath, S VP Global Communications, Unilever said: “The standard of work submitted this year has been exceptional.

“It’s incredible how many different interpretations of the theme have been created, each clearly reflecting the young artists’ personal experiences and ideas.

“This project is a great opportunity to inspire and enthuse young people about the arts, and help them think creatively and critically about the world around them. We are delighted by the response which we have had.”

In June 2008 the project was opened to all schools across the UK providing teachers notes and guidance, whilst inviting them to compete to become one of the chosen 25 with work exhibited.

The UK judging panel includes Lindsey Fryer, Head of Education at Tate Liverpool, Chico Ribeiro, Director of North West Manufacturing Sites, at Unilever’s Port Sunlight, Peter Gorschleuter, Head of Exhibitions at Tate Liverpool and Neil Buchanan, TV presenter from popular children’s programme Art Attack. 

The display at Tate Liverpool will be held in the Education Studio from until January  24 and will allow the public to view the shortlisted works in the Unilever International School Art Project, before the chosen pieces are brought to London's Tate Modern for the international section of the project.