Discover ARTiculation competition makes its debut in Leeds

The School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies will welcome the first Discover ARTiculation competition to the University of Leeds on Friday 8 July.

This new competition builds on the success of the ARTiculation Prize for sixth formers (held annually at Cambridge University) and is organised alongside partners, the Roche Court Educational Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust.

Discover ARTiculation has been designed to stimulate students' interest and understanding of art while developing individual thinking, observation, research, language and presentation skills. The competition seeks to engage Year 10 and 11 students, regardless of background or experience, with art and to develop their confidence and ability to express their opinions, thoughts and conclusions.

Students from schools across the UK were invited to submit a 2-3 minute film speaking about a work of art, an artefact or a piece of architecture of their choice. Adjudicators from the University of Leeds and partner galleries assessed each film received, looking at content, structure, delivery and the speaker's original approach and unique potential.

Eight students were chosen from the wide range of entries and they have been invited to deliver seven minute presentations at the final on 8 July at the University of Leeds. Finalists taking part include Key Stage 4 students from schools in Banbury, Bristol, High Wycombe, Manchester, Mansfield, Sheffield and St Albans. Their presentations will be judged by Lord Burlington and two prizes will be awarded: one for overall presentation skills and one for overall research skills.

The Discover ARTiculation final will also include a Careers Carousel, campus tours, a teacher networking event and a keynote lecture given by Griselda Pollock, Professor of the Social & Critical Histories of Art at the University of Leeds.

Eleanor Johnson from Educational Engagement said:

"The Discover ARTiculation competition forms part of the University of Leeds programme of events for schools and colleges. Throughout the year, we deliver campus events aimed at giving school students a taste of university life and highlighting the range of careers open to students with degrees in the fields of art and culture. We also run events at partner galleries such as Leeds Art Gallery and The Hepworth Wakefield, and talks in schools delivered by trained undergraduate and postgraduate students."

Abigail Harrison Moore, Head of the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, said:

"We are delighted to work closely with the Roche Court Educational Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust on this new strand of ARTiculation.

"The School has worked with the Devonshire Educational Trust for the last six years to deliver very successful Discovery Days which have seen many young people find their abilities to conduct research and speak confidently about a work of art. The Discovery Days have been developed at Chatsworth House, Bolton Abbey, The Hepworth Wakefield, Leeds Art Gallery and, from this autumn, Harewood House.

"It has been a joy to work with young people and help them to find their inner talent for talking about art. I am very excited about being able to host the first national Discovery ARTiculation competition here in Leeds."