Local pupils in art calendar bid

STUDENTS from Ballycarry Primary School are in the running to feature in the very first Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) Calendar.

In anticipation of the opening of the MAC, Northern Ireland's new flagship arts centre in Belfast, primary and special schools across the province have been invited to create their own masterpiece. The 12 winning artworks will feature in the debut MAC Calendar for 2011, which will go on sale in November and form part of an exhibition to be held in Belfast in January.

Students were invited to investigate a series of paintings by local and international artists and produce their own work inspired by what they have seen. Artists included LS Lowry, Paul Cezanne and Neil Shawcross.

Clare Lawlor, community engagement officer for the MAC said: "We are absolutely delighted with the response to the competition and wish Ballycarry Primary the very best of luck. The standard so far has been extremely high and we are looking forward to producing a fantastic calendar.

"There is still a little bit of time for local schools to get their completed projects through, as the deadline is October 29. Judging will take place on November 9 by a panel of experts, with winners being informed by November 12."

Clare added that when the MAC opened in early 2010, it would provide Northern Ireland with a "world class venue", with event programmes for all age groups and interests.

Further information about the progress of the MAC and the competition can be found by logging onto www.buildingthemac.com