The Saatchi Gallery recently announced the commencement of this year's Saatchi Gallery/Deutsche Bank Art Prize for Schools, which accepts entries across the globe from young artists aged up to 18, with the winner entry receiving £12,000. The deadline for submission has been declared as the 13th of January 2015, with entries made via the Saatchi Gallery website. The prize is unique amongst such competitions, as it's open to primary, secondary and sixth forms schools across the world, meaning the scope and accessibility of the prize is second to none.
A first prize of £10,000 will be awarded to the winning school's art department
A first prize of £10,000 will be awarded to the winning school's art department, and a further £2,000 will be awarded to the winning pupil to spend on their own art and computer equipment. There are also two runner-up prizes of £5,000 to be given away to second and third placed schools, and £1,000 to each winning pupil. The prize money will be used by the winning schools to install state of the art creative computer and printing equipment and high quality art materials in their respective art departments. The panel is built up of world renowned artists, critics and gallery directors, with previous judges including Sir Peter Blake, Antony Gormley, Marc Quinn, Yinka Shonibare and Bob and Roberta Smith.
The panel is built up of world renowned artists, critics and gallery directors
Euros Rowlands, Head of Art & Design at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera in South Wales, the art department that won the prize in 2012, said it has been a “Powerful tool in instilling confidence,” in their students' perception “Of their own talent and judgement.” He believes that “Art education is as much about nurturing self-belief in the student's own approach and identity within the visual arts as it is about the teaching of specific skill,” and that the prize is an ideal platform from which to nurture this belief.
The gallery has a history of supporting emerging artists
The Saatchi Gallery has a history of supporting emerging artists and shining a spotlight on their work. This prize specifically aims to encourage creative children to nourish their gifts and provide them with a platform to showcase their work, giving them the confidence to potentially consider a career in the arts. The prize is support by the Deutsche Bank 'Born to Be' youth engagement scheme, which is committed to helping young people access creative opportunities and fulfil their potential. Their support has enabled the gallery to offer tailored artist-led workshops to pupils from schools in disadvantaged areas, who are then given support in entering the prize.
Deutsche Bank are “Proud to support this Prize again in 2015”
Colin Grassie, CEO of Deutsche Bank UK, believes that the prize might provide troubled students with the incentive to discover their potential. He said, “Creative learning is an important way for many schoolchildren to engage with their studies; especially those that struggle in a traditional classroom environment.” He adds that they are “Proud to support this Prize again in 2015,” as he believes it “Allows thousands of pupils, particularly those from school in deprived areas, to enhance their learning and aspire to the amazing opportunity of having their work exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery.”
