‘SEAS’ THE OPPORTUNITY!

RNLI & SCOTMID LAUNCH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF THE RNLI

Scotmid and RNLI are inviting young artists across Edinburgh to let their imaginations set sail ahead of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.

Scotmid, in partnership with RNLI, has launched a nationwide competition for U18s to design the front cover of its magazine, Jigsaw, and asking them to create an image which they feel encapsulates the RNLI’s legacy, as it celebrates two centuries of heroic rescues and dedicated volunteering.

The competition launch is celebrating Scotmid’s charity partnership with RNLI, which got underway last year and will run until August 2024.

Budding artists are invited to design a front cover that highlights the spirit of the RNLI’s work over the years within its communities, emphasising elements of inspiration, courage, and community spirit. The winning design will reach thousands of Scotmid members. In addition, the winner will receive an exclusive package of RNLI prizes.

Entry details are as follows:

  • Who Can Enter: Anyone aged 18 years and under.
  • The Theme: Artwork that embodies the spirit of the RNLI and its 200 years of brave, life-saving endeavours. The RNLI values are selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness
  • Deadline for Entries: Make sure your masterpieces are submitted to Scotmid by 19 April 2024.
  • Submission Guidelines: Send your artwork to competition@scotmid.co.uk or by post to the Scotmid Membership Team, Hillwood House, Harvest Drive, Newbridge, EH28 8QJ. If you email a submission, keep the original in a safe place in case you win!
  • Find out morehttps://scotmid.coop/design-jigsaw-magazine-cover/

Kirsty Connell, Membership and Community Manager at Scotmid, said: “This competition is a wonderful way to commemorate such a huge milestone for the RNLI and our shared commitment to our communities.

“Partnering with the RNLI has been a privilege, as their tireless efforts serve as a lifeline. We’re excited to provide young artists a platform to express their creativity and honour the invaluable work of RNLI volunteers.”

Paul McKeown, Fundraising and Partnership Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “What a fantastic way for young people to showcase their creativity and join us in celebrating this significant milestone.

“We eagerly anticipate seeing the entries and appreciate Scotmid’s support and dedication to our cause.”

Funds raised over the course of the charity partnership will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of its relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance. 

The Edinburgh Practice launches a city-wide art competition in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland

Mental healthcare specialists, The Edinburgh Practice, has announced a city-wide art competition, entitled ‘Memory: Your Perspective’ in collaboration with its 2023 charity partner, Alzheimer Scotland, which will be officially unveiled at the opening of its new 6,500sq ft multi-purpose, custom built 26 room clinic in Waverley Square this summer.

The company, founded by Dr Fiona Wilson in 2017, has outgrown three sites in the city due to exponential growth over the last two years and is counting down to opening its new clinic which will include new specialist services for older adults including the provision of dementia assessments through the practice’s new Memory Clinic.

The competition, which has five categories; primary school pupils, secondary school pupils, adults aged 18-65, adults aged 65 plus, and people living with dementia, (or caring for someone with dementia) ties in with the range of new services for older adults and will also help raise awareness of the support offered by Alzheimer Scotland.

The theme for the competition is about encapsulating people’s interpretation of memory, which can range from a fond memory of quality time with grandparents or memorable past experiences of places, people and moments. Entries can be submitted in A0, A1, A2 or A3 format and be submitted digitally by emailing ella@edinburghpractice.com by 5pm on Friday 19th May 2023.

The winning artist in each category will receive a £100 voucher for the St James’ Centre, and their artwork will be displayed for one year in the new practice at Waverley Square.

Dr Fiona Wilson said: “Supporting the wider community is very important to us at The Edinburgh Practice and I am thrilled to announce that our 2023 charity partner is Alzheimer Scotland. 

“The charity is doing tremendous work in supporting people with dementia and carers, as well as creating awareness about brain health across the life span. 

“We hope that our ‘Memory: Your Perspective’ art competition will stimulate awareness and discussions among all age groups in the community as to how important brain health is to preserve our memory for as long as possible.

“We are very much looking forward to unveiling the winning artworks in each category at our launch event in the summer.”

Josh Munns, Stakeholder Engagement Leader at Alzheimer Scotland, commented: “We are delighted to be the charity partner for The Edinburgh Practice who are helping to raise crucial funds and vital awareness for Alzheimer Scotland.

“People living with dementia and those who love them continue to be disproportionately affected by the legacy of the pandemic and the effects of the cost-of-living crisis so it’s essential that we continue to be there to make sure no one faces dementia alone.

“Without the support of organisations like The Edinburgh Practice we wouldn’t be able to support the 90,000 people living dementia, their families and carers”.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid launches art competition to mark 50th anniversary

Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which opened its first refuge in 1973, has unveiled plans for a series of year-long events in 2023 to mark 50 years of providing support for tens of thousands of women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Plans include a competition to design a commemorative artwork to be unveiled at an exhibition in January.

Events planned throughout the year will highlight and pay tribute to those who have provided support for women and their families over the past five decades, with everything from giving them a safe place to stay in a refuge, specialist housing support, legal advice and help securing employment.

The aim of the commemorative artwork is to showcase how the charity has evolved over the years, the ongoing support available to help keep victims of domestic abuse safe and forthcoming plans.

In addition to being launched at the 50th anniversary exhibition, the artwork will also feature on the cover of the charity’s printed and digital Impact Report and various other marketing materials, including pull-up banners, leaflets, website and social media. The winning artist will also receive a prize of £500.

Entries can be created in any medium and should be submitted with the entry form available on EWA’s website, www.edinwomensaid.co.uk, by the 1st of November 2022.

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “2023 is such an important milestone for us, it gives us pause to remember the amazing women who came before us – who fought against the odds to get our first refuge in 1973, who provided support and sanctuary to countless women over the many years and those survivors who went on to their full potential after escaping abuse. 

“We’ll also be taking the time to think about ‘what next’ so that we continue to provide innovative and necessary services to women and children in Edinburgh.”

Women and children’s rights campaigner Lydia Okroj has worked with Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Scottish Women’s Aid for over 40 years and recently received an honorary doctorate from Stirling University in recognition of her outstanding work.

Lydia said: “EWA, which has been at forefront of shaping support services, policy responses and legislation in the city, which has been informed by the women they have supported, have so much to be proud of as they reach their 50th anniversary.

“Although awareness of domestic abuse has come a long way since 1973, when EWA began to provide refuge and support to ‘battered wives’, the need for the charity to continue supporting women, children and young people remains the same today as it did then, which is why it is important to highlight this milestone.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many committed women over the past four decades and to have played a part in supporting survivors of domestic abuse and also to be involved in so many significant changes in legislation over the years, which will be showcased in some of the events planned throughout 2023.”

Edinburgh Women’s Aid launches art competition to mark 50th anniversary

Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which opened its first refuge in 1973 has unveiled plans for a series of year-long events in 2023 to mark 50 years of providing support for tens of thousands of women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse, which includes a competition to design a commemorative artwork to be unveiled at an exhibition in January.

Events planned throughout the year will highlight and pay tribute to those who have provided support for women and their families over the past five decades, with everything from giving them a safe place to stay in a refuge, specialist housing support, legal advice and help securing employment.

The aim of the commemorative artwork is to showcase how the charity has evolved over the years, the ongoing support available to help keep victims of domestic abuse safe and forthcoming plans.

In addition to being launched at the 50th anniversary exhibition, the artwork will also feature on the cover of the charity’s printed and digital Impact Report and various other marketing materials, including pull-up banners, leaflets, website and social media. The winning artist will also receive a prize of £500.

Entries can be created in any medium and should be submitted with the entry form available on EWA’s website, www.edinwomensaid.co.uk, by the 1st of November 2022.

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “2023 is such an important milestone for us, it gives us pause to remember the amazing women who came before us – who fought against the odds to get our first refuge in 1973, who provided support and sanctuary to countless women over the many years and those survivors who went on to their full potential after escaping abuse. 

“We’ll also be taking the time to think about ‘what next’ so that we continue to provide innovative and necessary services to women and children in Edinburgh.”

Women and children’s rights campaigner Lydia Okroj, who has worked with Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Scottish Women’s Aid for over 40 years and recently received an honorary doctorate from Stirling University in recognition of her outstanding work, said: “EWA, which has been at forefront of shaping support services, policy responses and legislation in the city, which has been informed by the women they have supported, have so much to be proud of as they reach their 50th anniversary.

“Although awareness of domestic abuse has come a long way since 1973, when EWA began to provide refuge and support to ‘battered wives’, the need for the charity to continue supporting women, children and young people remains the same today as it did then, which is why it is important to highlight this milestone.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many committed women over the past four decades and to have played a part in supporting survivors of domestic abuse and also to be involved in so many significant changes in legislation over the years, which will be showcased in some of the events planned throughout 2023.”

Competition launched to showcase young people’s art to world leaders at COP26

Actor and broadcaster Cel Spellman launches a nationwide art competition, Creative Earth, in collaboration with COP26 and WWF 

Competition launched at a surprise event in a school in Great Yarmouth 

Young people from across the UK are competing for a chance to have their artwork  

displayed at the COP26 Climate Change conference in Glasgow 

The work seeks to inspire world leaders, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, to create a better planet for future generations  

An art competition has been launched for young people across the UK, with the winners having  their artwork displayed at the COP26 Climate Change conference next year in Glasgow.  

The Creative Earth competition is part of a UK Government initiative, Together for our Planet, and  launched in collaboration with the WWF to encourage young people to use the power of art to  capture their hopes and dreams for the planet in the future.  

To kickstart the competition, Cel Spellman, star of Netflix’s White Lines and BBC Radio 1, surprised a  group of year seven students at Ormiston Venture Academy in Great Yarmouth via a special Zoom  call.  

Cel invited the children to be the first to get creative. The students were then given the opportunity  to talk about their chosen artwork creations with Cel and explain why it is important to them. 

Cel, who is a WWF ambassador said: “The Creative Earth art competition is such a unique and  exciting opportunity for children from across the UK to have their voice heard and show world leaders  exactly the kind of world they want to live in, inherit and pass on to future generations.

“I’m asking as  many under-16s as possible to please get involved and be part of something special as we aim to  create a better, greener, sustainable future and call on world leaders to commit to making that a  reality and bring about the change we so desperately need to see, reminding them it’s young people  who will live with the consequences of our actions now.” 

Creative Earth artwork entries will be judged by a celebrity panel and COP26 President Alok Sharma  in Spring 2021.

Special prizes will be awarded for the best artwork in each age group. Judges will also  select the best pieces to be displayed at the COP26 summit in November next year.  

Alok Sharma, COP26 President said: “Across the world, young people are leading the call for climate  action and we want to make sure this is properly recognised at COP26 in Glasgow. That is why I hope  young people from across the country will seize this opportunity to showcase their vision for a  greener future.” 

Simon Gilbert-Barnham, Principal at Ormiston Venture Academy, said: “It’s not every day that pupils  get a chance to influence the UK Prime Minister and world leaders!

“This competition is an incredible  opportunity for young people to present their vision for a greener, healthier and happier planet.  Everyone at Ormiston Venture Academy is over the moon to be taking part in the Creative Earth art  competition and we can’t wait to see the entries that come in from young people around the country.”

The Together For Our Planet campaign aims to work with businesses, civil society groups, schools  and the public across the UK to help build awareness around the importance of tackling climate  change in the run up to the COP26. 

Find out more about the competition and enter now on the Together for our Planet website.

Children called on to get creative for bus design art competition

With the school holidays upon us, Scotland’s biggest bus operator is running a competition to give kids in Edinburgh the opportunity to see their artwork ‘wrapped’ on the side of a local bus.

First Scotland East is calling on local children to get involved in the bus company’s exciting Scotland-wide art competition, which will see the winning design placed on the side of a bus for thousands to see. The Scotland winner will also win a tour of Britain’s biggest bus depot in Edinburgh and will be presented with a video of their artwork being painted onto the side of the bus.

Winners from each region will be selected, too, and the lucky winner in Edinburgh will receive an exclusive goodie bag and a school visit from First Bus when the children are back in after the summer holidays.

The competition is running as part of Children’s Art Week, which this year, celebrates the theme of Connecting Across Generations. All kids need to enter is a sheet of plain paper, some bold colours to work with and their creative imagination.  Creative ideas can be submitted using any colour, pattern or drawing.

First Bus has already received some great entries, with some illustrations championing the relationship the city has with its NHS workers.

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of First Bus in Scotland, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for local kids to celebrate their creative side during lockdown.

We’re looking forward to seeing the winning design bring a splash of colour and imagination to one of our buses in Edinburgh, which we hope will bring a smile to the faces of key workers and local communities along our routes.

“We wanted to give something back to the city that we proudly serve every day and we can’t wait to look through all the entries.”

Those entering the bus designing competition are encouraged to include their name and age and should submit entries to the First Scotland East Facebook page, @FirstScotlandEast.

The deadline for submissions is 6th August 2020.

The competition is running in conjunction with First Bus’s Education Pack – an online educational resource created at the start of lockdown to provide primary aged children with a fun filled set of activities focused around buses.

The educational pack is available to download for free, from the following website link: www.firstscotlandeast.com/kidspack

Edinburgh artist shortlisted for national prize

An artist from Edinburgh has been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize, the UK’s leading competition for British contemporary representational painting and drawing. Robbie Bushe from Oxgangs was shortlisted for his oil on canvas ‘Would All Remaining Passengers. Continue reading Edinburgh artist shortlisted for national prize