EKC Group art student shortlisted for prestigious University award 

An Art and Design student was shortlisted for a prestigious award after beating more than 580 other national entrants.  

George, who is studying a Level 3 in Art and Design at EKC Dover College, says they were brought to tears after finding out they had been shortlisted in this year’s YouCreate Competition – a national art competition organised by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). 

George’s piece, called ‘The Story Only Eyes Can See’, was praised by the judges for its originality and strong interpretation of the competition’s theme of ‘dreams’, and subsequently shortlisted for the ‘Year 11-13 and Further Education’ category.  

After finding out they had made it to the final 18, George said: “I put my piece in about how my life feels, because it was such a powerful subject to me, and I don’t always understand myself.  

“When I found out I’d been shortlisted, I cried. I’m so full of emotions. I never thought I would actually get here.”  

The YouCreate Competition invites students to submit imaginative and thought-provoking pieces based on a different theme each year.  

This year, the theme of ‘dreams’ encouraged entrants to explore personal, surreal, or creative ideas. George’s artwork stood out because of its unique approach and emotional honesty.  

Created as part of their Final Major Project centred on mental health, George chose to focus on the realities of mental health disorders and the effects of medication. Their piece features printed eyes on pill boxes, as they wanted a powerful symbol of the many stories that our eyes can tell.  

Their work combines their own real-life experiences with the dreamlike feeling George describes as a “fever dream,” capturing how days can merge when struggling with mental health. 

The shortlisted artworks were showcased in a special exhibition at UCA Canterbury in July, with a private viewing held on Thursday, 3 July, to celebrate the finalists. 

George’s work was also featured at EKC Dover College’s annual art exhibition held in July, which celebrates the creativity and achievements of students across the year.  

Jacob Weeks, who is the Programme Director for Art and Design at EKC Dover College, said: “The exhibition is really a celebration of all the students’ work throughout the year, including their major projects and collaborations with local clients.

“It’s a chance for students to show their work in real life, share it with their families, and present it to local organisations that support our creative community.

“Having George’s piece included was a fantastic example of the talent and dedication we see here.”