New competition to inspire young artists

The competition is the brainchild of Nina Sverdvik, Course Leader of BA (Hons) Photography and Nic Chamberlain, Course Leader of BA (Hons) Fine Art, who are passionate about finding ways to support and encourage young people wanting to carve out a career in the creative arts.

Open to fine art and photography college students, the competition had no specific theme as the judges were interested in each individual's unique voice and approach.

The University received hundreds of entries from colleges across the country, including Southampton, Winchester, Chichester, Worthing, and as far as Edinburgh.

Overwhelmed by the response, Nina Sverdvik says, "The take up was immense, but most striking was the amazing quality across the board. Every artwork submitted showed incredible skills, experimentation and creative thinking and real maturity. But some pieces stood out. Thankfully, we didn't have to select the winners."

Dan Crow, Director of 'a space' arts and Creative Programme Manager, Mia Delve, had the difficult job of selecting the overall winners from an incredible shortlist.

30 selected art works will be exhibited in shipping containers in Southampton's Guildhall Square between 30 April and 2 May, and the winners will be announced at the official opening on Tuesday 30 April, 5-8pm.

Image credit: Agata Hendzel.