Students showcase creativity at Trust-wide Art Exhibition

This week, seven secondary academies came together to celebrate the artistic talents of students from across the Trust at our annual art exhibition.

Now in its second year, the exhibition was organised by Jane Beaumont, Art Teacher at Co-op Academy North Manchester, who once again invited Year 8 and 9 students from across the Trust to create meaningful works of art.

This year's theme, "This Is Me", encouraged students to explore and express their identities through original 2D artworks. The pieces reflected a variety of personalities, cultures, interests, experiences and aspirations.

Nine participating academies selected up to five artworks to be displayed in the atrium at One Angel Square, Manchester, from the 8th - 15th of June. Throughout the week, Co-op colleagues were invited to view the exhibition and vote for their favourite pieces via a QR code.

The exhibition attracted more than 300 votes from colleagues from across the organisation with winners announced at a special celebration event on the final day of the exhibition.

Stoke-on-Trent-based artist and guest judge at the event, Rebecca Davies, challenged students to design and create a Met Gala-inspired outfit using only paper. Working in teams, they transformed simple materials into imaginative fashion pieces inspired by their chosen themes and personal stories.

Among the standout creations was an outfit celebrating their inner child, a dress crafted from paper fans to symbolise being your own biggest champion, and a David Bowie-inspired design encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness.

Rebecca said: "What a wonderful celebration of art and creativity! The students' work and enthusiasm throughout the day was a real joy. At such a young age, they have been able to create personal and unique pieces that tell powerful stories and their confidence and willingness to express themselves through art has been fantastic.”

Jane Beaumont added: "I am so proud of the effort, imagination and enthusiasm shown by all of the students who took part and want to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of the art teachers who supported their participation.

“This year's theme encouraged our students to reflect on who they are and what matters to them and the results were outstanding. The event once again demonstrated the power of art to help young people express who they are, build confidence and connect with others through creativity.

“Seeing their work displayed and being celebrated by colleagues across the Co-op has also been a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”