Residents across Herefordshire are being given the chance to take part in an arts competition aimed at celebrating the best of Herefordshire and Great Britain in 2012.

The competition is being run as part of the county’s celebrations around the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and winners could see their work displayed in prominent places and at significant events across the county.
Organised by the Raising Our Game Partnership the competition is open to all residents of Herefordshire and those studying within the county. Individuals can choose to enter one or both themes.

For the Olympic and Paralympic theme entries should be based on a visual interpretation of one or more of the Olympic and Paralympic values which are excellence, friendship, respect, courage, determination, equality and inspiration and how they relate to Herefordshire and/or Great Britain. They can reflect any number of topics such as community spirit, culture, sport, Herefordshire icons or the Olympic Torch as it passes through Herefordshire.

The theme of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – 1952 to 2012, is seeking to celebrate the Jubilee across Herefordshire and Great Britain.

All entries must be graphic works such as paintings, drawings, photography or computer generated and should be flat to the surface and on A3 or A4 sized paper or canvas, and should not include excessive text or replication of a recognised logo, including the London 2012 one.

Councillor Olwyn Barnett, chairman of Herefordshire Council, said: “This year is going to be one of big celebrations this year with first the Olympic Torch Relay crossing the county; followed by the Diamond Jubilee, which will be marked in Herefordshire on Wednesday July 11th at Kings George V Playing Fields, Hereford, and then the Olympic and Paralympic Games themselves in London.

“I hope as many residents as possible will enter this competition so their creativity can be showcased and the rest of the country can see what talented people we have here.
“I would particularly like to encourage schools to get involved as celebrating 60 years of the Queen’s reign and exploring the Olympic and Paralympic values can teach pupils a lot about our own society as well as all the other nations who will be taking part,” she added.

The competition will close at 4pm on Thursday 12th April 2012 to allow for judging, printing and hanging of the material prior to the summer of celebrations.

For further information, or to request an entry form, contact Steve Ashton on 01432 383623, or email sashton1@herefordshire.gov.uk. The full terms and conditions and entry form are available a the top of the right column on this page.

Worcestershire and Herefordshire Olympic and Paralympic Group: Herefordshire Council, Herefordshire Sport, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Sports Partnership, Leadership Trust, Malvern College, Worcester University, and the Worcestershire Partnership.

Herefordshire Olympic and Paralympic Group: Hereford City Partnership, Herefordshire Council, Herefordshire School's Sports Partnership, Herefordshire Sport, Herefordshire Voluntary Action, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Sports Partnership and the Royal National College for the Blind.

Affiliated Groups: Bromyard Bowmen, Bromyard Equestrian Centre and Ross Rowing Club. Any organisations wishing to affiliate to Raising our Game, whether sporting or not should contact Steve Ashton.