The winners of a competition for budding local artists in Tower Hamlets were announced at a recent exhibition in Hackney. Regal Homes and Hoxton-based community charity Arts for All joined forces to hold a competition that would find new and unique artwork for the proposed Hackney Road regeneration scheme.

The competition featured two categories – one for those between aged 10 and 15, and one for adults aged 16 and above – they were judged by an expert panel drawn from the art world. The two joint winners of the aged 10 – 15 section were Miriam Fergous aged 11 and Jubyda Sahara aged 13. The runner up was Naznin Ahad aged 14. Alex Wakefield was the winner in the aged 16 and above section. The runners up were Moira Pinder and Lynda Ouzar. Miriam, Jubyda and Alex will see their pieces displayed in the new development.

Arts for All, who ran the competition, is a charity that works with disadvantaged adults and children to raise their confidence and aspirations through art therapy sessions, sessions in schools, art clubs and other creative projects.

Simon De Friend, Joint CEO of Regal Homes, said:
“I wanted to thank all of the entrants for their outstanding contributions to the contest. We send our warmest congratulations to Miriam, Jubyda and Alex and wish them well for the future. We were delighted to work with Arts for All who helped organise this competition and we hope this marks the next chapter in the regeneration of Hackney Road.”

Caroline Barlow at Arts for All commented:
“It was a fantastic competition, the calibre of the entrants were superb. I want to thank Regal London for their support throughout and I cannot wait to see the final pieces on display once more.”

Regal London proposed development at 114 – 150 Hackney Road will provide new retail spaces, high quality office space on the upper floors, up to nine new homes and over 1,000 employment opportunities across the site. The development will be considered by Tower Hamlets planning committee over the coming months.

July 2017