Message from Paula Wallace
Chair of the Young Art Oxford Committee
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The committee of Young Art Oxford is so disappointed that we have had to cancel this year’s competition. However, a really important part of our ethos is that pupils from all types of school take part. With the current pandemic crisis and, more importantly, the closure of schools we recognise that many schools will just not have the capacity now to enter their pupils’ paintings – making a fair competition impossible.
There are two aims underpinning Young Art Oxford: to support art provision in schools and to raise money for research into childhood illnesses. Since its inception we have raised more than £150,000 and now have approx. 49 schools participating in its annual competition. We’d like to do what we can to continue with those aims, even if we are unable to hold the competition itself.
With this in mind, we encourage pupils to send us their pictures, via their teachers or parents, which we will then post on our Instagram page. Although they won’t be judged, it will provide them with a public space to ‘exhibit’ their artwork. We would especially love to see pictures of who their hero has been this year – although, we will happily post pictures that follow this year’s theme of ‘Space’ too.
We have also set up a Just Giving page for our chosen charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and hope that parents will continue with their generous support by donating to this excellent charity which, like most charities, has seen their fundraising ability severely cut as a result of the pandemic.
In the meantime, we would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to all our participating schools. We appreciate all the hard work you have done and are continuing to do throughout this very difficult year – and we really look forward to your participation in next year’s competition. Let’s make next year’s the best yet!