More than 100 pieces of artwork created by pupils from 40 schools across Bedford Borough are on display at an exhibition at the Higgins Bedford this summer.
On the theme Together for Bedford, students were asked to help celebrate, support and involve all the borough’s different communities through art, by taking inspiration from the communities they belong.
The exhibition, which opens on Saturday (29 June) features the finalists of this year’s annual Harpur Trust Children’s Art Competition and features the work of pupils aged four to 18 representing their interpretation of ‘what does your ideal community look like?’
The Trust was inundated with nearly 400 entries and the judges Tom Perrett, Manager for Culture and Heritage at Bedford Borough Council, Elaine Midgley, Director of Bedford Creative Arts and Steven Harris, Head of Art and Design at Bedford College, had the unenviable job of narrowing down the artwork to the exhibition finalists.
The judges chose at least two pieces from each school to be displayed, and 20 first, second, third and highly commended pieces, were picked for five age group categories.
Lucy Bardner, community programmes director at The Harpur Trust, said: “We are a charity which has supported the people of Bedford for more than 450 years. The Trust has recently launched a plan called Together For Bedford and its vision is of a community where everyone can thrive.
“The children took inspiration from the communities they belong to such as in their school, their sports team or club, where they live, their friends, family, religion or cultural identity.
“In the workshops they explored how they are involved in their community, who inspires them, what brings their community together, what are the vales of their community and how can people in the brough work together to make it a better place.”
Many of the participating schools took advantage of The Harpur Trust’s offer to provide workshops from professional visiting artists, to guide pupils in artistic techniques.
The artists involved were Anne Marie Abbate, Katie Allen, Susan Erskine-Jones, Amanda Silk, Art Tsymbal and Fiona Wilson.
Tom Perrett, Manager for Culture and Heritage at Bedford Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with The Harpur Trust on this wonderful exhibition, showcasing the creativity of Bedford Borough’s young artists. As a judge, I’ve been so impressed by the level of talent and creativity on display, with young people pushing their boundaries and inspiring others.
“The theme of ‘Together for Bedford’ reflects our own priorities of building a strong and vibrant community where everyone feels included. This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for residents to see the future potential of Bedford Borough’s artistic talent.
The exhibition opens on 29 June, after an awards ceremony where those shortlisted are presented with prizes and certificates, and runs until 8 September at the Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, MK40 3XD.
