'Legenderry' competition backs 'City of Culture' bid

The "Legenderry" competition has been organised by the Culture Bid Team in partnership with the Verbal Arts Centre's "2D Comics Festival" and is a great opportunity for young people to showcase their artistic talent, while at the same time, becoming part of history by helping Londonderry in the bid to become UK City of Culture 2013.

The competition is based around a scenario that will allow the brightest young artistic talent to give free reign to their imagination.

An alien ship has landed in the middle of Guildhall Square to the great surprise and confusion of residents in the city.

There has been no direct contact from within this ship but local radio stations have picked up a strange signal on an unknown frequency asking for information about the town.

This is believed to be a message from the visitors! The City has decided the best way to communicate the great creativity and culture of the city is through pictures and has asked for the help of local school pupils and students to create illustrations with the title "I think we're legenderry because…."

The illustrations should take the form of a piece of coloured artwork on an A4 page and can be created by hand or using a computer, illustrating what the artist thinks is great about the city.

2D Comics Festival organiser and comic book artist in residence at the Verbal Arts Centre David Campbell is very excited to be involved in such a great project.

"We are thrilled to be part of this competition. I think it is a great way to encourage the youth of the city to play their part and become involved in the City of Culture bid".

Entries should also be supported by writing a paragraph of no more than 100 words, explaining why you decided to enter the competition. Entrants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a consent form completed by the entrant's parent/guardian.

There will 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in the following age categories 4-7 years, 8-11 years, 12-16 years and 17 and over.

The winning illustrations will feature in an art exhibition, which is being held in the Void Galley as part of the "2D Comics Festival" which will takes place from June 3 to June 5 and will also be published in "Verbal Magazine."

The overall prize-winning illustration will be placed in the main City of Culture 2013 bid office.

Not only that, but the image will also be made into a postcard which will be used to promote the city and strengthen the bid to be named UK City of Culture 2013.

Mayor Paul Fleming, said: "This is an innovative way for young people to think creatively about their city and an opportunity to show their talents in a very imaginative way.”

The competition is open now and runs until May 19th 2010, with the winners being announced on the 24th May.

Full details of the competition will be available at www.cityofculture2013.com or contact the Verbal Arts Centre at [email protected], telephone 028 71266946.

The City of Culture Illustration Competition is part of the programme to support the city's bid for UK City of Culture. Derry City Council, Ilex, Strategic Investment Board and cultural partners are working towards the final bid to be submitted on the 21st May 2010.