A new art competition for the Malverns is the latest sign of a resurgence in local community interest in the arts, attracting prize money of over £2000 and a chance for today's artists to add their mark to the area's creative legacy.

'The Spirit of Malvern' Open Air painting competition - to be held on Bank Holiday Monday, 6th May - will see up to 100 artists set out into the town and hills to seek inspiration. The works of art they create will be displayed in a 'pop-up' public exhibition at the end of the day in the town's Priory Park. A panel of judges, including Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, Tom Voyce will award prizes of £1000, £350 and a local WR postcode prize of £450. Best Landscape, Urban and 'wildcard' artworks will all win £100 also.

The event is conceived and organised by Malvern Creatives Connect (MCC), a network founded in 2023 by local dramatist and theatre director Kirsty Cubberley as a focal point for artists of all genres to generate ideas, stimulate events and encourage participation in the arts. “The very nature of the Malverns has always attracted creative people, inspiring greats such as authors C S Lewis and Tolkein, composer Edward Elgar and artist Dame Laura Knight,” says Kirsty Cubberley. “Today, we are seeing a groundswell of energy build on this artistic legacy, and ensure that the historic association between Malvern and the Arts is revived and refreshed. At MCC, we supporting our local creatives in releasing that energy and ambition.”

The MCC network already includes more than 130 members, who meet regularly, share ideas and information, and support one another. Their first public events at the end of last year included an Open Day at the OCC in Malvern, an Exhibition in Christ Church on Avenue Road, and collaboration with Malvern Hills District Council and the Traders Association where members decorated a Narnia Lantern Trail at Christmas time.

The 'Spirit of Malvern' competition is their most ambitious event yet. It was inspired by and coincides with an exhibition of Worcestershire paintings by the celebrated twentieth century artist, Dame Laura Knight at the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum. Laura Knight - the first female artist to be awarded full membership of the Royal Academy - loved the Malverns, and often came here to paint “en plein air”. “Our competition appeals to contemporary artists, who, like Laura Knight, found inspiration in our town, its people and the beautiful surrounding countryside,” says Cubberley.

Creatives Connect Malvern volunteers have worked with a mix of local sponsors to realise this event; the Three Counties Historical Art Society, Malvern Hills District Council, Lucart Hygiene, Worcester Ambassadors, The Dame Laura Knight Society and The Mount Pleasant Hotel which fittingly is where the competition will begin as this was where Laura Knight stayed whilst in Malvern. The Malverns' annual Water and Well Dressing Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors, will also be taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The 'Spirit of Malvern' competition is open to anyone over the age of 16, and is limited to 100 participants. The entry fee is £20 (£15 for early bird sign ups). For details of how to sign up, go to https://creativesconnectweb.wixsite.com/malvern/events

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