Colchester City Council is delighted to announce the winners of the Alcove Project, a student art initiative that is set to showcase eye-catching artwork on Osborne Street.
The project, launched last year in partnership with Colchester Sixth Form College, aims to promote creativity among students in the community. The response was overwhelming, with numerous students submitting their artwork.
The eye-catching student creations will be on display first at the Level Best Café in St John’s Street CO2 7HB, from 1-29 February. Following their residency at the café, the winning pieces will then be relocated to Osborne Street for a wider audience to experience.
The project attracted a diverse range of entries, from traditional paintings and drawings to digitally created artwork. The judges were particularly impressed with the high standard of submissions and the talent and creativity of the participating students.
Kent Blaxill generously donated provided waterproof boards for the students to paint on, and it is hoped that the students will use this work to add to their portfolios when they apply for university places in the future.
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “We're delighted to present these remarkable art pieces at the Level Best Café before their grand unveiling on Osborne Street. This exhibition provides a platform for the student artists to share their creative vision with a wider audience, fostering appreciation for the arts within our community.
“It is especially gratifying to witness how this project aligns with our broader vision to make Colchester a thriving cultural hub. Here, young artists can flourish, residents can enjoy the vibrancy of the arts, and the community spirit is strengthened through such collaborative endeavours.
“We are incredibly grateful to the students for their passion and talent, and to Colchester Sixth Form College for their partnership. Congratulations to the winners, and may their artistic journeys continue to blossom!”
Cllr Michelle Burrows, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, added: “The Alcove Project beautifully exemplifies the power of art to enhance public spaces and inspire a sense of community. The diverse range of submissions, from traditional paintings to digital creations, demonstrates the remarkable talent and creativity of our young artists.
“It is so important to nurture young talent and encourage creativity. We would like to thank all of the students who participated in this project and congratulate the winners on their exceptional work.
“The Alcove Project isn't just about beautifying Osborne Street; it's part of a broader vision to make Colchester a thriving cultural hub, where young artists can flourish and residents can enjoy the vibrancy of the arts.”
Izzy Goodman, teacher of Art and Design at Colchester Sixth Form College, said: “Colchester City Council approached the Sixth Form College and asked if our Art department would like to get involved in a community project.
“We jumped at the idea of creating some local art that would not only brighten up the city but also assist the students with their application to university by getting involved in a community project.”
Pictured above, L to R: Sarah Kernahan, Thomas Pratchett, Tara Murray, Caitlin Fraser and Miuska Shehadeh, at the launch of the exhibition at Level Best Café on 1 February.
Page last reviewed: 2 February 2024