The RSA Schools Art Award has been running since 1986 and is considered by teachers to be one of the most prestigious awards made to pupils in Scotland. With applications now open for 2024, we thought we’d take a look back to 2023 and share some of the wonderful works from students across Scotland.
Applications opened in November 2022 for the 2023 awards, and we received an incredible 800 submissions. From Aberdeen to Ayr, Bishopbriggs to Broughty Ferry, the level of imagination demonstrated by all students was excellent, and our judges had some tough decisions to make.
Kyle Bambridge, Bannerman High School
Kyle Bambridge from Bannerman High School took 1st prize for the Junior Award: ‘Having only been a student at Bannerman for 2 years, I never thought I would have the honour of receiving this prize. Overall, this has really boosted my confidence and taught me new techniques. It has given me an understanding of shapes and proportion in the face by breaking down the features into simple shapes before my final sketch.’
Amaya Ashcroft, The Mary Erskine School
The Intermediate 1st prize went to Amaya Ashcroft from the Mary Erskine School for her portrait of her grandparents: ‘My grandparents are of different ethnicities, and I wanted to use their portraits to show diversity in a personal way. I was inspired by the diversity mural in Summerland painted by artists Dylan and Liz Ranney. I feel the different yet overlapping colour palettes of each grandparent with varying skin tones shows the diversity within my family. I plan to continue studying art and am delighted to have won this award. My family and teachers are proud of my achievement and have supported me during the process.’
And the Senior 1st prize was received by George Heriot's School student Charlotte Sinton: ‘This piece was part of a portfolio that I created as I wanted to explore themes of paranoia and the feeling of being watched. I used a cold colour palette to express feelings of uncertainty and uneasiness. I am deeply honoured to have received this award. I would like to thank the art and design department at school, Brodies, the sponsors of this award, and my friend Jess for being the amazing model for my work!’
Emma Mitchell, George Heriot's School
The theme for the 2023 Chair’s Challenge was ‘THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ME’ and our entrants responded with works inspired by a variety of themes: family, friends, pets, hobbies and places. Emma Mitchell from George Heriot's School received 1st prize: ‘Winning this award for my artwork has been a complete surprise - It's amazing to have my work and creativity recognized, and it's given me a real sense of pride in what I've accomplished. I'm so grateful for this recognition, and it's an honour to have my work celebrated in this way.’ Her artwork was inspired by human connection and her own friendships.
Anna Jones, Milnes High School
All students who enter the Schools Art Award are considered for our Brodies Regional Awards. We caught up with Aileen Neillie, Principal Teacher of Art and Design at Milne’s High School to hear about how receiving the Senior North Award inspired one of her students: ‘It was a privilege to be part of this National award. Milne’s High School is located in Fochabers in the North East, a long way from the central belt. I think it is incredibly important that we are involved in National events and competitions in order to become more informed and take part in the opportunities out there. This award even encouraged one of my pupils, Anna Jones, to believe in her ability and take the opportunity to apply to Art School.’
If you’d like to get involved with the 2024 Schools Art Award, you have until Friday 26 April. There is no particular theme, and the emphasis is on technique, observation and interpretation. In particular, the judges will award prizes for work which displays creativity and originality. Find out more here.
