Assembly Calls on All Budding Young Artists

The Northern Ireland Assembly today launched a new and exciting Art Competition aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils (7 – 11 year olds).

Children enrolled in primary schools across Northern Ireland are being asked to submit an original drawing or painting. The winners will have their art work displayed in Parliament Buildings and will also be given the opportunity to work alongside a top Northern Ireland Artist to create a piece of artwork which will be given pride of place in the Assembly’s Great Hall.

Launching the competition the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay MLA said: “In recent months, the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings has become recognised as a public art space, showcasing some magnificent pieces of artwork to politicians and guests alike.

“For children in particular art encourages a better understanding of the world they live in and allows them to explore and imagine new ideas. I am pleased that the Assembly is able to launch this initiative to complement our other popular programmes designed to reach out to young people and look forward to seeing the evidence of the creativity and talent I know our young people have to offer. ”

Young people can choose between two themes ‘My World’ or ‘Remembering the Titanic’.

This year’s competition closes on Friday 9 March 2012 and more information on how to enter can be found on the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Education Service website at http://education.niassembly.gov.uk/

ENDS

Helping the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay MLA, launch the competition is Jenni Murray from Currie Primary School in Belfast.

Pictured with the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay MLA, are Jenni Murray and Carter Spence from Currie Primary School in Belfast.

Talking art tactics are Jenni Murray and Carter Spence from Currie Primary School in Belfast who helped launch the competition.

Pictured at the event launch are pupils from Currie Primary School, Belfast.