Articulation Prize Scotland Guidelines
1. About the Articulation Prize Scotland
The National Gallery’s Articulation Prize is a nationally acclaimed annual event promoting the appreciation and discussion of art. The competition engages students aged between 16-19 in full-time education, with art, regardless of background or experience, and develops their confidence and ability to express their opinions, thoughts and conclusions. Each student delivers a 10-minute illustrated presentation to an audience about a work of art, artefact or architecture of their choice. Adjudicators then assess each presentation as a whole, looking at content, structure, delivery, the originality of the speaker’s approach and unique potential.
The 2023 Articulation Prize Scotland will take place at the Pathfoot Building, University of Stirling.
Schools are asked to submit an online application before Monday 18 September 2023.
2. What does taking part involve for my school?
Your school will need to hold an internal school heat to select a student speaker to represent your school. A digital internal school heat support pack will be sent to your school following your submission of expression of interest.
State schools can also attend an optional free-of-charge Discovery Day, exploring the art at the University of Stirling’s Art Collection. Alongside this, we also offer online mentoring sessions as extra support for those taking part in the Prize.
3. Internal school heats
Schools and other educational organisations are required to organise an internal school heat, the winner of which is chosen to represent them at the Articulation Prize Scotland Final on Thursday 26 October 2023, 4-6.30pm at the University of Stirling. Articulation will supply material to support the event including helpful hints for teachers, best practice guidelines, and Articulation certificates.
Evidence of the school’s representative having been selected through the process of an Internal school heat is encouraged and can be shared with Articulation. For example, this could include photographs of the event which the National Gallery can share on social media platforms, celebrating your school’s and students’ participation.
The benefits of participating in the Articulation Prize include developing public speaking and presentation skills, research and essay skills, knowledge and confidence, critical analysis, and original thought.
Short films of past talks are available to view on our Articulation YouTube channel.
Please be aware that the name of the speaker, the title of their talk, and their PowerPoint presentation will be required by Monday 9 October 2023 but earlier nominations are welcome.
4. Joining an audience
Where feasible, schools are encouraged to bring an audience of students and staff to the Articulation Prize event. Places may be limited but schools will be notified of places available in advance. Schools not participating in the Prize are most welcome to bring their students but booking is essential.
5. Selection and Prizes
An Adjudicator will select a first, second and third prize winner.
Winning 2023 Finalists will be awarded first prize £100, second prize £75, and third prize £50.
6. How to apply
Please apply online here to register your school’s participation in the 2023 Articulation Prize Scotland. Applications close on Monday 18 September 2023.
The form will register both your internal school heat and your entry to the Articulation Prize Scotland.
7. Registration fees
A registration fee applies to all schools from the independent sector. Schools will be invoiced following their online registration. The registration fee includes an introduction to Articulation assembly pack, an internal school heat support pack, and participation in the Articulation Prize Scotland event.
Schools from the state-maintained sector:
- The Articulation Prize is free for all state schools to participate in.
- If the school or college is taking part for the first time, they will receive a £50 bursary to spend on books / materials of their choice.
- A limited number of travel bursaries are available to those schools that would otherwise not be able to afford the cost of travel. If you think that your school may be eligible, please register first, then contact us.
- If your school would like to make a donation to the Articulation outreach initiative, please tick the relevant box on the application form.
Schools from the independent sector
- For new schools, a registration fee of £200 applies.
- If your school has taken part before, a registration fee of £100 applies.
- If your school would like to make an additional donation to the Articulation outreach initiative, or support a specific school to participate, please tick the relevant box on the application form.
- Please note that no refund will be given for the registration fee after the closing date for the competition entries has passed (18 September 2023). Prior to this date, please contact us if you are no longer able to take part.