News Heritage art competition for young people closes 28 Nov

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is excited to announce the start of a new project to create a Heritage Strategy for the Borough and everyone is invited to get involved.

A consultation closes on 28 November for local organisations and individuals to help shape the new strategy and give their views on the heritage that is important to them.

As part of the consultation an art competition for anyone under 18 years of age who lives or goes to school or college in the Borough also closes 28 November.

Young people are being invited to enter now by drawing or painting a picture of what heritage in the Borough they most value. The winners will see their artwork incorporated into the final Heritage Strategy and will each win a £25 voucher.

There are two prizes up for grabs:

*        Best artwork ages 11 and under

*        Best artwork ages 12 to 18

Cllr Tony Harwood, MBC Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management  said:

“Draw or paint a picture inspired by Maidstone Boroughs fascinating and ever changing heritage; it could be a local historic building, a person or event, or something else that speaks to you from our long and often mysterious past.

“The long sweep of history opens up so many possibilities from distant prehistory, through waves of human migration, invasions, battles, revolts, cultures, beliefs, festivals and fashion, right up to our more recent past.”

The winning artwork will be judged and winners will be informed by email by 6 December 2024.

The art competition closes on 28 November 2024.

Please upload a photograph of the drawing or painting to https://letstalkmaidstone.uk.engagementhq.com/heritage-strategy-questionnaire/surveys/heritage-strategy-art-competition1 with a description of the heritage asset drawn or painted. Include name, school/college, age and also parent or guardian’s contact email and telephone number with entry.

The Heritage Strategy will give everyone the opportunity to work with the council to highlight what is valued. It will encourage participation in the huge wealth of heritage that exists across the borough and promote what is often hidden. It will also be used to help support bids for future project funding.

Cllr Harwood adds: “Maidstone is rich in history and our heritage provides us with a sense of place and links to the past. Not only physical buildings, it can include anything from museum collections, public art, parks and historic gardens to archaeology and cultural activities, events and festivals.”

The aim of the strategy will be to create a shared vision about the borough’s heritage, drawing on the thoughts of organisations, businesses and the people of Maidstone.

Take part in the consultation here: https://letstalkmaidstone.uk.engagementhq.com/heritage-strategy-questionnaire

Formal consultation on a draft Heritage Strategy will take place in Summer 2025 before the final Heritage Strategy is considered by Cabinet in Winter 2025.

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