Minister for Education John Cortes was back at Bayside School to attend the presentation of certificates to young artists who had taken part in an Art competition, a pilot collaborative art initiative between Finsbury Trust and the Bayside School Art Department. Its purpose is to promote young, promising artists and showcase their work.

Eighty students submitted a total of 105 artworks between them. All submitted pieces were either non-examination work or artwork that has already been assessed in previous examinations. The four winning artworks will be proudly displayed in the new Finsbury Trust building located on Line Wall Road.

As part of the collaboration, Finsbury Trust has generously donated the prize money and awards. A follow-up presentation will be held in January, during which the four prize-winning students will be able to see their work installed in the building. Parents and teachers will also be invited to this event.

This initiative originated from an idea developed by Benjy Cuby of Finsbury and Karl Ullger, head of Art at Bayside in August and was launched in November this year.

Mr Ullger said: “We felt it would be a wonderful way to conclude 2025 and to celebrate the artwork produced by all Bayside students, not only the winning or highly commended entries, but all participants.”

Minister for Education John Cortes said: “I am truly grateful to the Finsbury Trust for supporting this initiative, and to Karl and the Art Department for bringing it about. Special thanks and congratulations to all of the artists for their commitment to Art and the quality of their work.”

Winners

• 1st Prize: Mathieu Busto (Year 12) – 5th Avenue

• 2nd Prize: Aimee Linares (Year 13) – Calle Comedia

• 3rd Prize: Luciana Murray (Year 12) – Final Destination

KS3 Category Winner

• Winner: Amal Al Labed (Year 9) – Lavender Fields

Highly Commended

• Alba Bocarisas (Year 13) – Irish Town

• Movinsia Jesuira Raj (Year 10) – Heaven

• Arianne Mena (Year 13) – Upper Town Steps

• Erin Rodriguez (Year 13) – Med Steps Views

• Isabella Macedo (Year 13) – OV

• Leah Duarte (Year 9) – Finsbury Trust Building

ENDS