Budding young artists rise to the ‘Art Meets Science’ challenge
Press release: 13 July 2009
Budding young artists from Sale Grammar School will be finding out which of them have won the first ‘Art Meets Science’ challenge issued by a leading local cancer research institute today.
The schoolchildren in Years 9 and 12 were challenged last term to develop a unique, relevant and contemporary artwork for display at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research (PICR), based at The University of Manchester. The high standard of their work, the maturity of the pieces and the enthusiasm with which they tackled the project prompted the Institute to reward their efforts with an ‘Art Meets Science’ Award Evening. Winning entrants from each Year Group will be announced and awarded a prize in recognition of the excellence of their work.
Pippa McNichol, Director of Operations at the PICR, said: “This month the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research completed a very successful five-year review. The review is carried out by a team of international scientists appointed by Cancer Research UK, who support the institute with core funding, to ensure that we are producing research of a high and internationally significant standard. The review was an ideal opportunity to engage with the local community and to showcase some of the rich young talent we have here on our doorstep.”
The schoolchildren were given an open brief and asked to produce artwork that reflected the personality and essence of the PICR, a challenge they eagerly embraced. “Our pupils are very used to producing high quality work but as this is often within the curriculum, it is produced in response to a specific brief with an expected outcome. Working on the ‘Art Meets Science’ challenge was a liberating experience for the children. They had to show they could channel their creativity and abstract ideas into a tangible artwork within a specific timeframe – transferable skills that require discipline and focus,” explains Sale Grammar School Headteacher David Wilson.
The finished artworks have been professionally framed and now decorate the walls of the Institute building for all staff and visitors to enjoy. The children’s hard work will be recognized at a special Award Evening being held at the Manchester-based Institute on Monday 13 July. The pupils’ work has been assessed by a panel of judges and three winners from Year 9 have been selected and six from Year 12. Each will receive a gift voucher from an art supplies shop so that the pupils can pick their own gifts to help them in their artistic endeavours.
“We have been absolutely amazed at the level of talent and ability shown by all the age groups – their work really brightens our Institute and brings a flavour of the community into our research environment. Working with a local school has been a very rewarding experience – and one which we hope will be repeated as a regular challenge,” said Pippa McNichol.
Ends
Contact information:
If you would like further information or wish to attend/send a photographer to the Award Evening please contact Pippa McNichol, Director of Operations at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research. Selected photographs of the pupils’ artwork are available on request from The University of Manchester press office.
Email: aeron.haworth@manchester.ac.uk
For additional images or information please contact Pippa McNichol on:
Tel: +44 (0)161 446 3103
Email: PMcNichol@picr.man.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the event
From 6.15–8.00pm on Monday 13th July, pupils from Sale Grammar School who accepted the ‘Art Meets Science’ challenge will find out which entrants have secured achievement awards. Photo and interview opportunities can be arranged prior to the evening. The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research is located at Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX
About the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research
The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research is a leading cancer research institute within The University of Manchester, core funded by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world.
- Find out more by visiting the Institute’s website
About Sale Grammar School
Sale Grammar School is an 11–18 co-educational, selective school, with specialist status in the visual arts and also in science. In December 2006, the school was described by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding with an outstanding sixth form’ and has a strong reputation for its excellent standards in art and design/technology.
- Find out more by visiting the School’s website
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is Britain's largest single-site university with a proud history of achievement and an ambitious agenda for the future. It is now one of the country’s major research universities, rated third in the UK in terms of ‘research power’ behind only Oxford and Cambridge.
- Find out more by visiting The University of Manchester homepage
Photo captions/details
Year 12 - Joint First Prize winners - Alex Fraser and Sophie Whittaker - £75 each (photos available)
Year 12 - 4 runners up - Carys Templer, Lucy Crichton, Sabrina Macdonald and Victoria Hong - £40 each
Year 9 canvas - 4 joint winners – Nicola Slade, Kiera Wells, Lucy Aylott and Hannah Moffat - £30 each (photo available)
Year 9 painting winner - Eleanor Simpson - £30 (photo available)
Year 9 runner up - Alice Stephenson - £25