Student scoops top art prize and international advertising profile

Friday, 16 April, 2010

A Robert Gordon University student has been announced as runner up in Art of Nurture, a prestigious art competition organised by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance and will now see their work used in an advertising campaign for the bank.

At an event held at the Saatchi Gallery in London, Kevin Cameron, 21, who studies at Gray's School of Art, came second in the competition with his artwork, which represents growth and development in the business world with pictures of buildings and trees.

Over 500 entries were whittled down to 19 finalists after six regional heats were held at prominent art galleries across England and Scotland during March and April.

Gaby Selby, 23, from the University of West England won the competition, with Jayne Walsh who studies at Blackpool and the Fylde College, 46, coming third.

Kevin said: "I'm delighted to have come second, especially since the quality of the other entries was so high.  Having this accolade will really boost my CV and it has been a fantastic experience to have my work shown in a high profile gallery like the Saatchi."

Kevin's work was selected by a panel of esteemed judges including Dr Charles Saumarez Smith CBE, from the Royal Academy of Arts, Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts & Business and distinguished illustrator Brian Grimwood. Brian is one of Europe's most credited and influential illustrators and his work has been used in magazines and advertising campaigns across the world. 

Simon Featherstone, managing director of Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance, said: "This year's competition has been a huge success and I have been very impressed with the high standard of entries. The judges faced a tough decision but it is testament to Kevin's work that he has come second.

"Art of Nurture is a huge opportunity for anyone wanting to pursue a career in art and design as it shows they are able to accurately follow a brief and produce professional work. Through Lloyds TSB Commercial Finances' advertising campaign, Kevin will now be able to showcase his work in a real-world commercial environment."

Last year's winner Olga Grotova, an up-and-coming artist, feels the Art of Nurture win boosted her confidence as an artist. She said: "Winning the competition last year has looked fantastic in my portfolio and my career has really benefitted from the award.

"It is a highly respected competition in the student art world and it is great Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance do so much to help out the young talent in this country."

Long standing supporters, Arts & Business, a national charity dedicated to encouraging new and sustainable arts and business relationships have been involved throughout the competition, with area directors of the charity acting as judges during the regional and national finals.

Bringing together the arts and business worlds and encouraging students to work from a commercial brief, the competition has built up a strong following amongst art colleges and universities across the country.

Colin Tweedy, chief executive for Arts & Business, said: "Arts & Business is delighted to have worked with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance on the Art of Nurture prize for the last four years.  The competition is a superb example of the imaginative partnerships possible between culture and commerce. This year's finalists are once again of an excellent standard and we are proud to be working with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance to support the creative industries and the wealth of emerging talent in the UK today."

This year saw leading youth charity, The Prince's Trust, benefit from the competition. Elizabeth Royds from The Prince's Trust said: "We are extremely grateful to Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance for their support. They have donated the proceeds of a limited edition boxed set of art by previous winners of the Art of Nurture competition. The money raised will go toward helping disadvantaged young people across the UK turn their lives around."

For more information please contact Adele Baxby or Emily Hargreaves on 0161 235 0300 or adele.baxby@citypress.co.uk

 

Notes to Editors:

Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland and serves customers with a turnover of up to £15m.

Arts & Business sparks new partnerships between commerce and culture. We connect companies and individuals to cultural organisations and provide the expertise and insight for them to prosper together.

Arts & Business' total figure for private sector investment in culture in the UK currently stands at £653.8 million for 08/09. Business investment fell by 6% (a smaller decrease than last year) and now stands at circa £157 million and accounts for 24% of the overall contribution from the private sector.

The Prince's Trust helps change young lives in the UK through practical and financial support, developing skills as well as confidence and motivation.  Since the charity was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1976, it has helped over 600,000 young people across the UK and continues to support 100 more every working day. Further information about The Prince's Trust is available by calling 0800 842 842 or at www.princes-trust.org.uk.

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