Liverpool City Region schools to benefit from University’s partnership with arts initiative

Edge Hill University has joined forces with a Liverpool arts project to help find the next generation of artists and creative thinkers.

The University has partnered with Liverpool-based arts organisation dot-art, which runs an interschool, interactive, online art competition for Year 5 and Year 9 pupils across the Liverpool City Region.

Throughout the project, children are encouraged to explore their artistic side. Ultimately the aim of the project is to increase the pupil’s self-esteem by celebrating their art and give them a chance to process their thoughts and feelings through creativity.

Lucy Byrne, managing director of dot-art said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Edge Hill to increase the reach and impact of the dot-art schools programme. The University’s unique education expertise gives us a great opportunity to develop the project.

“Over the years the competition has had incredible feedback about the confidence it gives to young people. We feel that giving children a boost in self-esteem has never been more important than after the stress and worry of the last 12 months. We can’t wait to work with Edge Hill to deliver the competition’s best year yet.”

More than 100 primary and secondary schools from across the Liverpool City Region have signed up to take part. After artworks are submitted and shortlisted by a panel of arts professionals, the best pieces are put to a public vote. The initiative culminates in a public exhibition and prize giving ceremony later in the year.

Associate dean of Edge Hill’s Faculty of Education Dr Helen O’Keeffe said: “After almost a year of lockdowns, both children and teachers are feeling the pressure and we wanted to do something to give back. “By supporting the dot-art schools project we can help promote creativity and good mental health in schools, something that is key to our curriculum here at the University. We can’t wait to see the art the schools produce and it’s a great opportunity for our students to learn more about the importance of art in education.”