ART FOR GLASGOW 2014 ATHLETES’ BEDROOMS – Competition kick starts 2014 Commonwealth Games Schools Programme
Edinburgh pupils are being urged to showcase their artistic talents to the world by creating Games-inspired artwork for the Athletes’ Village at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
This unique opportunity was announced today at the launch of Game On Scotland, the official education programme for the Games.
Using the Games and its 17 sports as creative inspiration, primary and secondary pupils will be challenged to come up with 6,500 pieces of artwork to decorate bedrooms in the Athletes’ Village where the athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth will be staying.
The winning designs will be gifted to the visitors as a memento of their time in Scotland, and athletes will be encouraged to send a note expressing their personal thanks back to the young artists.
X-Men and Superman illustrator Frank Quitely today urged schools to get creative and make their mark on the Games.
Game On Scotland, which is a partnership between Education Scotland, the Scottish Government, Glasgow 2014 and Glasgow City Council, will use the Commonwealth Games as an inspiring and fun context for learning across the curriculum.
With the website now live, teachers and educators across Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth can access a range of educational resources for learners of all stages including film and image banks, Games history, sport profiles and materials on the Commonwealth.
There are also unique opportunities for Scottish schools to engage with the Games, available to all ages, such as the art competition.
Artist Vincent Deighan, who goes by the pen name of Frank Quitely, said:-“I know how satisfying it is to see your work being appreciated and this is a fantastic opportunity for 6,500 school kids across Scotland to see their creative work on the world stage. I’ve seen first hand some of the artistic talent emerging in Scotland and I’m sure the pupil’s artwork will help inspire athletes to go for gold in 2014.”
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Education Convenor, Councillor Paul Godzik, said:-“This competition is a fantastic opportunity for schoolchildren to share in the excitement of the Games. I hope as many schools as possible will enter, and who knows, perhaps one of the City’s pupils will have the privilege of having their artwork displayed in the Commonwealth Village!”
Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport said:-“The Game On Scotland education programme will transport children across Scotland to the heart of the Commonwealth Games, taking them on a global learning journey which will benefit them now and in the future.
“Young people are at the heart of the Games and its legacy, and we’re creating opportunities for children to get involved and experience the excitement. We know that major events such as the Commonwealth Games have the power to transform the lives of children and young people and we have the legacy programmes in place to inspire the next generation.”
Schools can apply only by registering on the Game On Scotland website at www.gameonscotland.org. Competition packs will be issued in August with winning entries announced in early 2014.
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