The Judges
Our three fantastic judges had their work cut out with nearly 400 entries to choose from, from pupils aged 4-18 from across the borough. Judges Elaine Midgley, Director of Bedford Creative Arts, Dionne Ible of Qemamu Mosaics and Victoria Partridge, Keeper of Fine & Decorative Art at The Higgins Bedford chose at least two pieces to be hung from each school for the exhibition, in each of the five age categories. Plus first, second, third and highly commended. The panel looked for creativity, originality and an imaginative response to the theme.
You can watch the judging process here: https://vimeo.com/1192528979?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ciPage
Meet the Judges
Dionne Ible, Qemamu Mosaics
Dionne Ible is a Bedfordshire born mosaic artist and creative facilitator, with over 20 years’ experience designing and delivering vibrant artworks that celebrate heritage, storytelling and connection. Dionne’s practice blends traditional mosaic craftsmanship with contemporary design, using colour, pattern and symbolism to explore identity and culture through matriarchal figures, landscapes and more.
Her vibrant, distinctly unique style draws inspiration from her Caribbean/African roots, blending glass, beads, semi-precious stones and natural materials to craft visually captivating and emotionally resonant pieces. Dionne is a member of The Black Artisans and the British Association of Modern Mosaics and created commissioned pieces for exhibitions, public spaces and private clients. She has appeared on Channel 4, BBC and collaborated with arts and community organisations including Revolution Arts, Bedford Creative Arts, The Culture Trust and local wellbeing groups to deliver hands-on creative experiences for people of all ages.
Elaine Midgley, Bedford Creative Arts
Elaine is Director of Bedford Creative Arts where she leads a team of staff, artists and freelancers that enable BCA to manage and deliver its diverse community-based programme of arts projects and activities. Elaine is an experienced arts manager with expertise in fundraising, event management, arts development, and theatre.
Prior to working at BCA she worked in youth and professional touring theatre, local authority arts development, and large-scale live event management including overseeing events such as the Cambridge visits of the Olympic Torch Relay and the Tour de France. She is Chair of the Bedford Cultural Partnership, a consortium of Bedford arts and cultural organisations.
Victoria Partridge, The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum, Bedford
Victoria is Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art at The Higgins Bedford where she is responsible for the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection. She has been curating and organising art exhibitions since The Higgins Bedford reopened in 2013. In addition to activities in Bedford, Victoria has also curated exhibitions at Tate Britain, Petworth House, Blenheim Palace and Discover Bucks.