Prestigious art competition to be hosted by Stirling

The University of Stirling will host the finals of a national public speaking competition that promotes and supports young people to look at, think about and discuss art.

Hosted by the University’s Art Collection, the Scotland final of ARTiculation – where students aged between 16 and 19 will deliver 10-minute presentations on a work of art, artefact or architecture –will take place at the Pathfoot Building next Wednesday (March 13).

Balfron High School (Stirlingshire), Forth Valley College, James Gillespie’s High School (Edinburgh) and Loretto School (Musselburgh), will contest the final in front of an audience and Glasgow-based artist Jacqueline Donachie, who will choose three winners.

Each winner will receive high-quality art books from world-renowned publisher Lawrence King, with a cash prize of £100 for the top presentation, £75 for second, and £50 for third.

Sarah Bromage, Deputy Curator of the University of Stirling Art Collection, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the ARTiculation finals for the fourth year and are pleased to see so many entrants from across the Forth Valley area.

“The competition is an excellent way for young adults to engage with art held in galleries and collections throughout the UK. It is always fascinating to hear entrants’ interpretations of individual artworks, and their insight helps the audience view well-known artworks with fresh eyes.”

Ms Donachie has forged an international reputation for a socially-engaged art practice that is rooted in an exploration of individual, family and collective identity – and the structures, platforms and spaces through which it is constructed and supported.

Confidence

ARTiculation was established 12 years ago by Madeleine Bessborough, Director of New Art Centre, and Lucy Salisbury, Head of Roche Court Educational Trust, in partnership with the Head of History of Art at Winchester College, Laurence Wolff.

More than 1,000 UK students enter the competition each year, with the initiative credited with: increasing young peoples’ confidence to communicate effectively, raising aspirations, creating pathways to careers in the arts, and establishing a life-long interest in culture.