Knowledge Quarter Liverpool launches new art contest to inspire local school children

Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) has launched a new art contest for schoolchildren.

Themed ‘Life Under the Microscope’, the competition invites pupils to create original artwork that explores a range of concepts from the world of health and life sciences innovation that takes place in the KQ Liverpool innovation district and across the Liverpool City Region.

Alternatively, entries can consider broader interpretations of the theme, such as the focus and scrutiny that is applied to young people living their lives today ‘under the microscope’.

The initiative is among KQ Liverpool’s activities to mark its 10th Anniversary and aims to promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) skills among young people and is supported by dot-art Schools, a local social enterprise dedicated to supporting artists of all ages. It is open to secondary school pupils of all ages across the Liverpool City Region.

The winning artist will receive a £100 art materials voucher, a customised trophy and have their artwork displayed in CENTRAL TECH innovation hub building in KQ Liverpool. Their school’s art department will also be given £500 to support future creative projects and there are prizes worth £25 for four runners-up.

Codi Ellis, skills project co-ordinator at KQ Liverpool, said:

“Our KQ Futures programme aims to broaden the minds and the horizons of young people growing up in the Liverpool City Region, enhancing their understanding of STEAM topics and giving them an insight into the incredible discoveries and opportunities that are being created on their doorstep.

“This art competition inspires pupils to think about those innovations and maybe imagine the invisible, microscopic worlds inside our bodies. If they want to use a wider lens, they can explore what it means to live their life under the human microscope of public scrutiny. There is no right answer, just a platform for creativity and imagination to thrive, and that embodies the spirit of KQ Liverpool.

Lucy Byrne, director at dot-art, said:

“This competition is a brilliant opportunity to inspire young people to see art and science as connected. Whether they’re exploring the literal world of cells and microorganisms or taking a more personal approach to what it means to live under the microscope, we’re giving them space to express their unique perspective on the world around them.

“At dot-art, we believe every young person has an artist inside them, and through partnerships like this with Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, we’re helping them discover it.”