Voting opens for the Liverpool City Region’s top young artists

The search to find the most talented young artists across the Liverpool City Region is nearing its exciting conclusion and now, the public can get involved by casting their votes online.

dot-art Schools, in partnership with Edge Hill University, invites the public to vote for their favourite artwork as part of the annual competition highlighting the creative brilliance of young artists from the Liverpool City Region. This year’s entries come from Year 5 and Year 9 students across more than 80 primary and secondary schools.

A judging panel of respected arts professionals have shortlisted three entries from each school. The esteemed panel includes Tina Ramos Ekongo, a figurative visual artist and workshop facilitator, painter Joseph Venning, known for his large murals, Alice Demba, who leads the learning team at National Museums Liverpool, Hannah Lambert, the schools programme manager at Curious Minds and Steph Leach, senior lecturer in primary education and the art & design lead at Edge Hill University.

The shortlisted artworks can be viewed and voted for on this webpage from Monday 24 March to Thursday 24 April 2025.

The entry with the most votes from each school will be displayed at the 13th annual dot-art Schools exhibition, which is being held at the Walker Art Gallery from Thursday 5 June to Sunday 6 July 2025.

Carolyn Murray, dot-art Schools project manager said: “The dot-art Schools competition showcases the excellent visual arts happening in schools and develops young artists’ creative confidence. We encourage everyone to get involved and vote for an artwork online. Let’s make this a record year for the number of votes cast. Voting gives all the shortlisted pupils a chance to be the winner for their school and have their work shown in the iconic Walker Art Gallery!”

Alice Demba said: “dot-art Schools has yet again captured a wide range of vibrant artistic talent from students across the region. It’s been my privilege to admire children’s and young people’s imaginative expression, exploring themes such as the beauty of nature and the ocean as well as their personal reflections and thought-provoking stories.

“The artworks express deep emotional narratives, playful and abstract concepts, and cultural symbols. We can’t wait to showcase their work at the Walker Art Gallery, celebrating their dedication and innovation. We hope this experience also sparks new inspiration as they take in the masterpieces from artists around the world that call our walls home.”

As a national leader in high-quality teacher training, Edge Hill University provides dot-art Schools with greater access to schools in the region and supports it in its key aims of promoting creativity and good mental health.

Lorraine Partington, head of partnership development in the faculty of education, commented: “Our successful partnership with dot-art has significantly fostered creativity within local schools, empowering young people to recognise their artistic potential. The positive impact of art on pupils’ development is evident. I encourage you to explore the wonderful artworks showcased on the dot-art Schools’ website and vote for your favourite shortlisted piece.”

Visit https://schools.dot-art.com/browse-schools/ between 24 March and 24 April to cast a vote.