The public are being invited to cast their vote in Art Bytes first annual art competition to find the best young artists across the country. 

Anyone can cast their vote online from 1st April to 1st May. Almost a hundred schools have signed up for the new Art Bytes competition and over 1500 stunning artworks have been submitted. 

The judges have narrowed it down to their top three entries from each school ready for the public to vote for their favourite. The shortlisting panel is made up of some of the nation’s most respected artists, arts educators, and cultural organisers.  

The artwork with the most votes from each participating school will win a place in the Art Bytes virtual exhibition which launches in June.  

Art Bytes project manager Carolyn Murray said: “We’re delighted that so many schools have signed up and submitted artwork for the first year’s competition, particularly as so many schools continue to grapple with the effects of the pandemic. We couldn’t achieve this without the fantastic support of all those dedicated teachers that make this possible. Children and young people use their creativity to express themselves and display their incredible talents in such imaginative ways, and you can support these young artists by placing a vote for your favourite shortlisted entry.” 

The judging panel includes Marlene Wylie, President Elect for NSEAD the National Society for Art & Design Education, Paula Briggs Co-Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Access Art, a UK charity which aims to further the advancement of visual arts education, Kate Mason Director of the arts education charity The Big Draw and Tony Heaton OBE, artist and Chair of Shape Arts on the judging panel.  

“Wow! What an achievement, it is excellent knowing that close to 100 schools are participating nationally in this new 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. Delighted to be involved in such important work!” 

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

The competition’s overall winners will be chosen by the panel and announced via live stream and in person at celebration events in June. These celebrations are hosted by our cultural venue partners in the nine regions across England. As well as lending their expertise in arts education, each will host a celebration event in June: 

• 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  
• South West: Arnolfini, Bristol  
• South East: Modern Art Oxford  
• East of England, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridgeshire 

Art Bytes is an inter-school, interactive, online art competition for Year 5 and Year 9. Taking part encourages children to explore their artistic side, increasing their self-esteem by celebrating their art, as well as giving pupils a chance to express thoughts and feelings through creativity and raise their aspirations.  

View the artworks and vote online for your favourite shortlisted artwork at: 

https://artbytes.co.uk/browse-schools/ 

Voting closes at midnight on Sunday 1st May 2022.