The first national Art Bytes programme has culminated in a series of celebration events across England, at which regional and national winners were announced in two age groups. Eva from Greenside Primary School in the North West won the Year 5 competition and Milla from Southbank International School in Greater London won the Year 9 competition.

Art Bytes is open to primary, secondary and SEND schools across England and combines an inter-school art competition with bespoke virtual gallery technology. It is managed by social enterprise dot-art, and based on their 10 years’ experience leading the dot-art Schools project in the Liverpool City Region. Research conducted by Liverpool Hope University and Curious Minds has proven the impact of the programmes to nurture talent, raise ambition and develop confidence

Almost 100 schools took part in the inaugural year and the standard of works was incredibly high. A panel of industry professionals selected their top three works from each school, then a public vote took place to choose the school winners, which are all exhibited in the Art Bytes Virtual Gallery, here: artbytes.co.uk/virtual-gallery-2022. Finally, the judges met for the very difficult task of selecting regional and national winners. They had this to say:

“Wow! What an achievement, it is excellent knowing that close to 100 schools have participated nationally in this competition. I remember vividly my experience of taking part in competitions at school and the important part it played in receiving recognition for something I was passionate about. Opportunities like this allows young people to develop, self-esteem, confidence and a sense of achievement. I am delighted to be involved in such important work!”

Marlene Wylie, President Elect, National Society for Education in Art & Design

“It’s been a pleasure to work as part of a team judging the work. It’s been so inspiring to see all the entries and feel the passion and enthusiasm for art shine through. Well done everyone and even if your artwork didn’t make the final few – you’ve done a great job and keep being creative – the world needs you!”

Paula Briggs, CEO & Creative Director, Access Art

“There has been much flair and imagination in the artworks, and I enjoyed judging them – although there have been hard choices at times. I loved them all and it’s great to see such talent in the making.  Well done to Art Bytes for encouraging such creativity.”

Tony Heaton OBE, artist

Art-Bytes-2022-9-Celebration-Events

Art Bytes have partnered with high profile cultural venues across the country, which, as well as lending their expertise in arts education, hosted a celebration event for students, teachers and families. These are:

• Greater London: Camden Art Centre, London
• South West: Arnolfini, Bristol
• South East: Modern Art Oxford
• East of England, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridgeshire
• North West: The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
• North East: Baltic, Gateshead
• Yorkshire and Humber: Leeds Art Gallery
• East Midlands: Derby QUAD
• West Midlands, The New Art Gallery Walsall

By working with such prestigious venues, all of whom understand the enormous value of art in education, Art Bytes aims to build cultural capital and encourage young people to see galleries as welcoming, inclusive and inspiring places in their communities.

Here is the full list of regional and national winners:

National Winners

Primary:

Understanding ASC, Eva, Greenside Primary School (North West)

Secondary:

Red Heart and Flowers, Milla, Southbank International School (Greater London)

National Runners-Up

Primary:

Portrait of Malala Yousafzai, Darcy A, Holy Trinity & St Silas Primary School (Greater London)

Pear, Grace Brinkley, Stukeley Meadows (East)

Secondary:

Crimson Anger, Patrycja Komasara, Thomas Clarkson Academy (East)

Human Condition, Hetty Hart, Lavington School (South West)

Regional Winners

North East

Primary: Darkness, Imogen Blewett, Chantry Middle School

North West

Primary: Understanding ASC, Eva, Greenside Primary School

Secondary: Harley Quinn, Millie R, Greenbank High School

Yorkshire

Primary: The Corruption, Lucas Greaves, Alderman Cogan Primary Academy

East Midlands

Primary: Kusama Self Portrait 3, Trae Gillan, Oakwood Junior School

West Midlands

Primary: Rainbow Eruption, Oscar Swales, Priorslee Academy

Secondary: David Bowie, KS3, James Brindley Academy

South East

Primary: Buzz Pollination, Max Parker, Benson CE Primary School

Secondary: Time For Tea, Sam Bourne, The Bicester School

South West

Primary: Apple Still Life Drawing 2, Alice Mockler, Monkton Park Primary School

Secondary: Human Condition, Hetty Hart, Lavington School

Greater London

Primary: Portrait of Malala Yousafzai, Darcy A, Holy Trinity & St Silas Primary School

Secondary: Red Heart and Flowers, MH, Southbank International School

East

Primary: Pear, Grace Brinkley, Stukeley Meadows

Secondary: Crimson Anger, Patrycja Komasara, Thomas Clarkson Academy

Art Bytes is open to all Primary (year 5), Secondary (year 9) and SEND schools in England.

Schools can sign up for next academic year until the end of December 2022.