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SHOWCASE: Matt Small’s illustration from the 2017 show of Art Matters

MORE THAN 50 primary and secondary schools from Newham are showcasing their artistic talents at Art Matters, a week-long exhibition exploring the power of art and creativity, taking place at the University of East London (UEL) this month.

The show, which represents the work of over 2,000 students in Newham and surrounding areas, is now in its 21st year of celebrating artistic endeavours across Newham’s schools and colleges. It is a collaboration between UEL and the University of the Arts, and organisers Catherine McGill of Manor Primary School and Ashia Oozeer of Plashet Secondary School.

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The event, which has also attracted sponsorship from the Education Space organisation, which offers training and consultancy services, includes work from NewVIc College, Leyton Sixth Form, University of the Arts London’s Saturday Drawing Programme and the London College of Fashion innovations project.

The show runs until July 12 on weekdays between 10am and 6pm at UEL’s Docklands Campus, in the School of Arts and Digital Industries. Over the course of the exhibition, thousands of visitors are expected, including teachers, students, parents, gallery educators, councillors and representatives from art organisations and further education establishments. There is a full programme of workshops running throughout the show to give everyone an op- portunity to learn creatively.

The exhibition offers an opportunity for pupils across the borough to showcase their work and for teachers to develop ideas, techniques and approaches in art and design.

Dr David Tann, head of UEL’s school of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, said: “We are delighted to host the annual Arts Matters Exhibition for the 21st time, welcoming visitors to witness and enjoy the brilliant work of a future generation of world-class artists, architects and designers.

“Newham has a young, dynamic, vibrant and diverse population and this is a great op- portunity for our young people to work with us at UEL, together with the University of the Arts, London, in understanding the importance of art education, and ensure the power of art has a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Our aim at UEL is to foster and recognise talent and by supporting the community, in this way we are emphasising our objectives to enrich the community as a local anchor.

“The work on show is a glimpse of the future of art and design in this country and the contribution that Newham schools are making to ensure the arts continue to be a prominent feature in our education.”

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