Black Swan Arts Young Open Competition 2015

The opening of one of the Black Swan’s highlight events – the annual Young Open Art competition will take place on Saturday 14th March.  

Only in its third year, this has become one of the most popular and talked-about exhibitions in the calendar, and demonstrates the Black Swan’s ongoing commitment to supporting and show-casing young and emerging talent.

Young people from across the region have entered more than 170 paintings, drawings, sculptures, jewellery, textiles and ceramics which have been professionally curated and displayed in the main gallery, as well as in the pop-up studio and in Diva’s cafe.

Judged in three age-group categories, (8 – 11 yrs, 12 – 15 yrs and 16 – 19 yrs), winners and ‘highly commendeds’ have been chosen by a team of local experts.

Each of the four winners in the three age-group categories is awarded a 1-to-1 hands-on workshop with a professional artist or craftsperson – a fantastic opportunity for the lucky young artists to develop their skills, improve techniques or just have creative fun.  Previous prize-winners have gone on to successfully apply for places at art schools across the country.  A full list of this year’s generous prize-givers can be found at blackswan.org.uk/youn gopen2015

There is an important additional prize, one that is the most sought-after by the young artists themselves – The People’s Prize.  Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork, with the creator of the most popular piece also being awarded a 1-to-1 workshop.

And if that’s not enough inducement to get you heading off to cast your vote, one lucky voter will win a £50 Black Swan gift voucher to be spent at the centre sometime in the coming year. There’s also the opportunity to challenge the professionals by trying your hand at the Magnetic Curator – your chance to decide how you would arrange all the artworks in the exhibition.

So, whether you’re a regular visitor to Black Swan Arts or have never set foot in the building before, make sure you visit the Young Open Art competition 2015 to see the work of some of the region’s most original and creative young people.

The exhibition opens to the public at midday on Saturday 14th March and will stay open, Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 5.00pm until Saturday 11th April.  You’ll also be able to visit during the Frome Independent Market on Sunday 5th April.