Celebration of Creativity at Annual Schools’ Arts Competition 2023

June 23, 2023

A Gala Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday 22nd June in ISLAND Hall, Lisburn for the 40th Annual Schools’ Arts Competition 2023 to recognise the artistic talent of local schoolchildren.

With categories including visual arts, short stories, poetry, drama and musical performance, the competition once again highlighted the best entries of our local young people.

Awards were presented by the Deputy Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Gary McCleave and Communities and Wellbeing Chairman, Councillor Thomas Beckett.

Guests at the ceremony were treated to a range of performances and readings including a musical performance from a student at Parkview School and a drama excerpt from Cairnshill Primary School of their production, ‘Oliver Jr!’

Speaking at the award ceremony, Communities and Wellbeing Chairman, Councillor Thomas Beckett said: “Creativity is crucial at all levels in our society and it is fantastic to see such talent on display.  By encouraging self-expression, originality, diversity, creative thinking and innovation, the Annual Schools’ Arts Competition challenges our schoolchildren and helps to encourage self-development.

“As a council we are keen to promote positive wellbeing and art plays an important part in the design and events throughout our area.  Therefore I am pleased to see the Annual Schools’ Arts Competition and the extremely high standard of work from young entrants. The faces here today are the communities of tomorrow and I would like to wish you all good luck in your artistic pursuits in the future.”

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gary McCleave, extended an invitation to all to view the fabulous works on display in ISLAND Arts Centre’s Community Arts Walkway, displaying entries in the visual arts, poetry and short stories category which will be on view until 20th July 2023.

For more information on the competition, please contact ISLAND Arts Centre on 028 9244 7452.