Entries welcome for art competition in Maidstone Eco Hub

Artists of all ages are being encouraged to enter an art competition showcasing how Maidstone sees itself as part of nature by Friday 11 October.

 Entries will be displayed in Maidstone’s Eco Hub, the pop-up community information centre which helps support people live more sustainably, save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

 The Eco Hub will be opening for the third year from 26 October to 9 November, Wednesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm, in an empty unit on the ground floor of The Mall, near the Gabriel’s Hill entrance. 

 There are three categories for entry into the competition:

• Primary School (Ages 5-11)
• Under 16s (Ages 12-15)
• Over 16s & Adults

 Artists are being asked to take a photograph of their artwork and email it to kentartcollective@gmail.com along with their name, title of the piece and dimensions with the age category they are applying for in the subject line.

 Cllr Mike Summersgill, MBC Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery said: “This art competition is a great way to get involved and feel a part of Maidstone’s Eco Hub as we will be displaying the artworks there from 26 October. Why not have a go! The Eco Hub is Maidstone’s big annual event to showcase what we are doing to look after our local environment.”

 Competition dates are:

• Submission deadline: 11 Oct
• Shortlist announced: 18 Oct
• Exhibition from: 26 Oct
• Winners and prizes announced: 2 Nov at Maidstone’s Eco Hub

 Ben Paez, a member of the Kent Art Collective who has been instrumental in planning the art competition said: “We believe that art and appreciation of the environment go together, and it therefore makes sense to ‘paint’ a positive environmental message through art. We are looking for originality, creativity and artistic technique and expression in the work and the judging panel is looking forward to sifting through the entries and putting together the art exhibition at the Eco Hub.”

 Maidstone’s Eco Hub will hold fun family activities, interesting talks and competitions. There will be children's craft workshops, information on money saving grants, an art competition, recycling and energy saving advice, a freecycle swap shop, active travel advice and much more.

 Find the full schedule of events at www.climatechange.maidstone.gov.uk or call the Biodiversity and Climate Change Team on 01622 602561.

 Local volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice and everyone is welcome to drop by, join in and find out about sustainable solutions, products and services already available in Maidstone.

 If you would like to be involved with Maidstone’s Eco Hub event as a volunteer or organisation, please contact ClimateandBiodiversity@Maidstone.gov.uk

For the leaflet and QR code click here