The Green family has partnered with the Bermuda National Gallery to host an art competition in October for middle school students.

The contest will see students from across the island painting murals on the wooden hoardings surrounding Point House, formerly the HSBC building, which is currently under construction.

All middle schools, both public and private, have been invited to take part and to nominate teams of up to ten students to compete. Each team will submit their suggested design for their portion of the hoardings ahead of time and will then make their murals a reality on October 10th.

Participating schools will each receive a cheque for $1,000, with the winners receiving larger prizes: first place will receive $5,000 for their school, second place $3,000 and third place $2,000.

The winning murals will be chosen by a team of judges made up of representatives from the Green family and the BNG.

Each student will be given a T-shirt, drinks and snacks on the day as well as all the art materials they need to bring their mural to life.

Students have been encouraged to come up with a mural design around the theme “My Bermuda”.

As part of the programme, the Education Officer of the Bermuda National Gallery will pay a visit to all participating schools to see the proposed designs and to offer insight.

Alexander Green, on behalf of the Green family, said: “We are pleased to be offering creative young Bermudians an opportunity to show off their artistic talents and to give them a platform for their work, which we think will really brighten the space around Point House.

“We are committed to spreading our love for the arts among young people and supporting arts education in Bermuda.

“We hope that as many schools as possible take up the challenge.”

Peter Lapsley, Director of the Bermuda National Gallery, said: “Bermuda National Gallery is delighted to be able to take part in this initiative from the Green family. We hope that this inspires more young people to explore the visual arts, engage their creativity and experience the impact art can have on the world.”

The painting of the murals will take place on Thursday, 10th of October, with judging taking place the next day.

Any middle schools who haven’t had the chance to respond have until Thursday, October 3rd to confirm their participation in the event.

*Press release from Greenaap Consultants Ltd.