Celebrating Local Creativity & Our First Monthly Artwork Winner

Last month, I launched a new initiative inviting schools across Newbury and West Berkshire to share their pupils’ artwork with me. The aim is simple: to celebrate the fantastic creativity of local children and showcase the importance of the arts in education.

I have been delighted by the response. We received lots of brilliant entries from schools of all sizes, across a range of ages and styles. It has been inspiring to see such imagination and talent on display.

Each month, I will select one piece of artwork to feature in my newsletter and on my website. I want this to be an ongoing opportunity for pupils to feel proud of their work and for schools to share what is happening in the classroom.

I am very pleased to announce that this month’s winner is Winter from Trinity School. Winter’s artwork really stood out for its creativity and originality. Congratulations, Winter.

Thank you to every pupil and school who took the time to send something in.

The initiative is flexible by design, so there is no pressure to submit every month. I am keen to encourage more opportunities for young people to express themselves creatively and to make sure their work is seen and celebrated.

I look forward to seeing even more fantastic entries in the months ahead. If your school or group would like to get involved, simply email any submissions to my office by the 20th of each month with the subject heading 'Artwork'.

Creativity matters. Whether through drawing, painting, design, or photography, the arts give children the chance to build confidence, explore new ideas, and develop lifelong skills.