The Medicash Foundation, the charitable arm of local health insurer Medicash, is delighted to become an official partner of the dot-art Schools competition.
The dot-art Schools programme has been developed by dot-art, a Liverpool based arts organisation which has been supporting artists and developing innovative and creative visual arts projects and initiatives since 2006.
The competition is open to all Primary (Year 5) and Secondary (Year 9) schools in the six boroughs of Liverpool City Region and the surrounding area. It is designed to nurture talent, raise ambition and take art out of the classroom into the real world.
The competition was established in 2012 in response to demand from local schools and the side-lining of the arts in the curriculum, to date over 6,700 children from 398 schools have taken part. Participating in the competition can contribute to a school’s Artsmark journey, boost students’ self-esteem, raise their aspirations and engage student’s families.
Over recent years the dot-art Schools programme has reached out to particularly deprived communities, in a manner that is not only inclusive but that has brought out the very best that these communities have to offer. It is this area that the funding from Medicash has particularly helped with, allowing many new schools to take part in this year’s competition.
Dana of Belle Vale Primary School – Year 5 Winner
Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash and trustee of The Medicash Foundation said: “We are delighted to have partnered with dot-art to increase the reach of this year’s dot-art Schools programme. We are proud to be supporting our local schools and inspiring children and young people to be more creative and involved in the fabulous arts culture that this country has to offer. It’s also a great opportunity for them to explore a future in the creative industries that they may not have considered previously.”
Carolyn Murray, dot-art Schools Project Manager reveals “It is wonderful to have Medicash partnering with dot-art Schools this year! Their support means we can reach out to schools who might not otherwise be able to engage with our programme which will boost children and young people’s self-esteem and creative confidence.
“Medicash’s focus on health ties in perfectly with our focus on the arts as we know the arts has been proven to make a positive impact on wellbeing for everyone especially children and young people.”
In late March over 80 schools’ entries will be showcased on the dot-art website ready for a panel of respected arts professionals to shortlist their top three for each school. From Sat 28th March – Tues 28th April the public will be able to vote online for their favourite artwork to win a place in the final exhibition held at Liverpool School of Art & design in June.
Earl Cabije of Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School – Year 9 Winner