West Exe School Joins National Art Programme

West Exe School is thrilled to be participating in Art Bytes, a prestigious national art and EdTech programme that encourages creativity and builds cultural capital for students.  The programme, which combines an inter-school art competition with a bespoke virtual gallery and in-person celebration events across England, is aimed at Year 5 and Year 9 students. It has proven to nurture talent, raise ambition, and develop vital skills that will benefit students in future employment.

Art Bytes is now in its 12th year and the programme supports not only the development of artistic skills but also mental health and emotional well-being by creating a space for young people to express themselves through art.  By engaging with this competition, students are given the chance to showcase their talent, gain confidence, and be part of an inclusive creative community.

The programme culminates in a series of events, including the Art Bytes Virtual Exhibition in June.  Once all artwork entries are submitted, the Art Bytes panel of expert judges will shortlist the top three entries from each participating school.  These shortlisted entries will be showcased in the virtual gallery, and an online public vote will open on the 3rd of April. 

The students with the most votes from each school will win a place in the annual virtual exhibition and the opportunity to be regional or national winners. Additionally, the school with the most votes will receive the Community Engagement Award, with a certificate and generous art prizes awarded from Art Bytes sponsors.

West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is being sponsored to take part in the competition by The Arts Society Exeter.  The Arts Society Exeter’s aim is to increase the understanding, knowledge and enjoyment of arts in the broadest sense by holding talks each month and by supporting arts education in the local community.

West Exe would like to encourage everyone to get involved and vote for their favourite artworks to help support young artists and contribute to the success of the programme.  For more information, and to vote visit the Art Bytes website: https://artbytes.co.uk/

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

"We are incredibly excited to participate in Art Bytes.  This programme offers our students a unique opportunity to display their artistic talents on a national platform while also nurturing their confidence, ambition, and cultural capital.  The support from The Arts Society Exeter has been invaluable, and we are proud to be part of this fantastic initiative."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"We are really proud to support West Exe School’s participation in Art Bytes and grateful for the backing from The Arts Society Exeter. This programme offers students an exceptional opportunity to engage with creativity, develop vital skills for the future, and showcase their talents. We are excited to see our student’s artwork and encourage the whole community to get involved in supporting our young artists when the voting opens.”