An international Art and Poetry Competition for all ages up to 18
The Breathing Life Trust held the Art for Life Prize 2010, in association with Marfin Laiki Bank and Ministries of Education in Cyprus and Greece.
The Art for Life Prize allowed children to express through imagery and words just how much they care about other children who are suffering and in need. Their creativity reminds us of the enormity of love, compassion and friendship which exists between children. Art for Life is their voice and their means to help other children who have to face struggles in their lives.
The 2010 competition was dedicated to the memory of Costakis Perdikos and introduced a special award in his name. Seldom has a child, shown such courage and will to survive when faced with the terrible reality of living with a severe lung condition. In the end he lost his battle but for all who had the honour of knowing him, he will be remembered as a little boy with a big heart, who had only compassion and love flowing through him.
The theme for the 2010 Art for Life Prize was 'Love', particularly the power of Love to comfort and heal. Teachers and students were encouraged to visit hospitals, meet with doctors, nursing staff and children being treated and cared for. This we hope will lead to a greater understanding and lasting friendships for everyone involved. The winners' and finalists' work appeared extensively in media around the world, providing a messege of hope from children.
The journey of The Breathing Life Trust has also been one of creating friendships, and of providing a message about the power of the human spirit and the value of hope. These values lie within The Breathing Life Lung Centre for Children in Cyprus, which opened on October 22nd 2009. It's opening was a triumph of co-operation, innovation, and will to succeed between The Breathing Life Trust, The Cyprus Government, London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, and countless benevolent institutions, companies and individuals from all over the world. The centre is located within the Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia, and improves the quality of life of newborn babies and young children by offering advanced diagnostic techniques in the treatment of life threatening respiratory illnesses, as well as managing the treatment of thousands of children with severe respiratory illness and disease each year.
Our sincere thanks to everyone for their generosity and support which has helped us so much to fulfill our dreams. For the many children who participated in Art for Life, our hopes and dreams will continue to live on in your imagination and creativity. Thank you.
The Theme
The theme for the 2010 Art for Life Prize is 'Love', particularly the power of Love to comfort and heal. All participants are encouraged to produce original artwork and poetry inspired by our theme which captures and share with us just what a difference love and caring can make.
Timetable
The 'Art for Life' Art and Poetry Competition will be launched at The Hellenic Centre on November 2nd 2009 with all entries received no later than April 1st 2010.
Winners, 2nd and 3rd place finalists will be announced live on LGR London Greek Radio on the Saturday show at 1.00 p.m. on March 24th 2010.
The 'Art for Life' Prizes for Art
The 'Art for Life' Prizes For Art will be awarded in the following categories;
- The 'Art for Life' Prize for best Art Work in the age 7 or under category
- The 'Art for Life' Prize for best Art work in the 8 to 11 age category
- The 'Art for Life' Prize for best Art work in the 12-18 age category
- The 'Art for Life' Marfin Laiki Bank Special Award for outstanding artistic originality
- The Breathing Life Trust Special Award for outstanding artistic content
- The Costakis Perdikos Special Award for Art
The 'Art For Life' Prizes for Poetry
The 'Art For Life' Prize For Poetry will be awarded in the following categories;
- The 'Art For Life' Prize for outstanding poetry written in English.
- The 'Art For Life' Prize for outstanding poetry written in Greek.
- The 'Art for Life' Marfin Laiki Bank Special Award for most original poetry
- The Breathing Life Trust Special Award for outstanding poetry
- The Costakis Perdikos Special Award for Poetry
The Judging Panel
The judging panel consisted of a distinguished panel of people who are passionate about art and poetry and included;
Stephen Lloyd
Senior Curator Of The Scottish National Portrait Gallery Edinburgh
Toby Clarke
Contemporary Art Director of The Fine Art Society London
Dimitra Kotoyla
Poet and contributing author of 'Atlas of World Art'
Pele Cox
Resident Poet of the Tate Galleries
Alexandra Papadakis
Publishing Director of Papadakis
David Holton
Professor of Modern Greek University of Cambridge
Charis Mettis
Head of Education of the Archdiocese of Thyateira
Sophoklis Argyrou
General Manager of Marfin Laiki Bank UK
Organisation Team
The Breathing Life trust launched the inaugural Art for Life Art and Poetry Competition in association with the following organisations:
Principal Sponsor
The Laiki Bank
The Organisers
Embassy Of Cyprus
Nicos Constantinou
Hellenic Republic Embassy Of Greece in London
Maria Tsirampidou
The Hellenic Centre
Mrs Kalisperas
Media Synthesis
Michael Eleftheriades
Communication and Media
LGR London Greek Radio
John Kyriakides and Vasilis Panayis
Rik Television
Doros Partasides
Eleftheria Newspaper
Michael Ellinas
Parikiaki Newspaper
Bambos Charalambous
