Shakespeare Week 2020 shines spotlight on creativity
Children across the country will be getting creative with Shakespeare as part of an exciting art and design theme for Shakespeare Week – the annual national celebration of Shakespeare in primary schools run by independent charity, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which runs from 16-22 March.
New for this year’s celebration is the Shakespeare Portrait Competition. Children age 11 and under are invited to create their very own portrait of William Shakespeare for a chance to win fabulous prizes, including having their artwork exhibited at The Lowry, a famous art gallery in Manchester, and a family weekend away in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Fronting the Shakespeare Portrait Competition is popular children’s TV presenter Ricky Martin, star of CBBC’s Art Ninja, who has created his own portrait of the Bard to help inspire budding young artists. His design pays homage to his three favourite pop artists, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring.
Some of the country’s best-loved children’s illustrators are also joining the fun. Korky Paul, illustrator of the popular Winnie the Witch series, award-winning author and illustrator, Marcia Williams, and Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell have drawn their own portraits of Shakespeare which can be seen in a special online exhibition on the Shakespeare Week website. Children have until 31 January 2020 to enter their artwork. Full details are available on the Shakespeare Week website www.shakespeareweek.org.uk/competition/.
