Best of Bolton Schools Art Show

Bolton School co-ordinated and organised a Bolton Borough Art Show at The University of Bolton.

It involved the member schools from the BLP – about 12-15 schools contributed annually.

The Fine Art department at The University of Bolton donated their studio space to the school to show the best of their work from that academic year, each June. The show was sponsored by the Bolton Decorative and Fine Arts Society who provided prizes for the different specialisms in collaboration with a local Art materials supplier.

Aims

To collaborate in a show which celebrates success in the Visual Arts in our town. There is little opportunity for schools to use a purpose built exhibition space to show their artwork to professional standards. The Fine Art studios offer such a space which can be open to the public.

Background

Miss J Fazackerley (who at the time was Head of Art, Design and Technology at Bolton School Girls’ Division) took up the role of 'Art Network Leader' after funding was cut by the local authority. As part of that work, she collaborated with the University Fine Art department and negotiated an event which could showcase school age artwork. This show was established for over 12 years.

Resources

No funding is required, other than the goodwill of school head teachers to release staff to mount the show and the Fine Art department to lend us their studio space in June after the degree shows.

Impact

The show has a Private View event where contributors are invited to attend and prizes are awarded. Some local press coverage is usually present, along with social media exposure.

Pupil Involvement

Pupils selected by dept for exceptional work

Mostly 11-16 schools, but schools with A Level also show A Level

Mixed Gender

25 schools invited

Frequency

This was an annual event taking place each June until the summer of 2019.