Schools from all over the country are being invited to take part in a competition for budding art historians.

The ARTiculate competition, run by the University of Cambridge in partnership with the Roche Court Education Trust, is an excellent opportunity for students to share their enthusiasm for works of art and improve their presentation skills.

The competition culminates with a final held held at Clare College, Cambridge, which follows six regional heats across the country. Venues for the heats include the Saatchi Gallery in London and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Now in its sixth year, the scheme is likely to attract a record number of applicants. Cambridge alumnus Sir Christopher Frayling, former Rector of the Royal College of Art and Chairman of the Arts Council, will judge the final and award prizes of £300, £200 and £100 to the three best competitors.

Students will be asked to give a talk of between five to 10 minutes on a piece of artwork of their choice – whether art, architecture or applied art.

They will be judged on their ability to convey their personal insight and enthusiasm to the audience, as well as demonstrate their knowledge. Pupils can choose to pay particular attention to the symbolism, technique, function or historical associations of the work in question. Use of photography or film is encouraged and references to other works of art can be brought in where relevant.

Last year’s competition was judged by the sculptor Antony Gormley. Standards were high, and the winner, comprehensive school student Mollie Brooks-Crowley, went on study history of art at Pembroke College, Cambridge.

The competition is open to all sixth-form students, no matter their subjects, and each school may be represented by one student only.

Schools are invited to spend the day at the University of Cambridge on the 12 March 2011 for the final of the competition. Pupils will hear the presentations, tour Cambridge colleges, see art collections and listen to lectures from History of Art academics.

Schools have until the 26th of November to apply. Please see the ARTiculation page for more information: https://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/communications/community/articulation
 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you use this content on your site please link back to this page.