A new art prize aims to find talented, aspiring artists at Edinburgh schools. The Paolozzi Art Prize, open to S5 and S6 Art pupils, launched today in the City Art Centre with the support of the late artist’s sister, Yolanda Tartaglia.
“The Paolozzi Art prize will be a great way to encourage young people to be creative and follow in the steps of a cutting-edge Edinburgh artist," said Education Convener, Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, speaking at the launch event.
“Who knows, maybe we will find the Paolozzi of a new generation!"
Entries will be judged in three categories, taking into account creativity, attitude and dedication. An overall prize will then be awarded to one of the three winners. Recognition will be given to pupils who have had to overcome barriers to achieve their potential.
The categories are:
- Talent and creativity
- Overcoming barriers
- New directions
Entries will be judged by a panel of judges from the art community and an awards ceremony will take place in June 2012.
About Paolozzi
The son of Italian immigrants, Eduardo Paolozzi was born in Leith in 1924 and educated at Edinburgh College of Art, before he moved to London.
He became renowned for his sculptures, prints, paintings and tapestries. His most famous works include the coloured mosaic in London’s Tottenham Court Road underground station and the iconic foot sculpture located at the top of Edinburgh’s Leith Walk.
He died in London in 2005, donating many of his works to the national galleries of Scotland, now exibited at the Dean Gallery in Edinburgh. Paolozzi's studio has been recreated at the Dean Gallery as a permanent exhibition, and the huge, metallic sculpture of Vulcan, spans two floors of the gallery aka Modern Art Two.