Women’s development group charity invites aspiring female artists in Wales to ‘cut the ribbon’ on its landmark year...

Wales’ women’s economic development agency, Chwarae Teg is challenging aspiring artists to design a new piece of work using its iconic logo as part of a contest to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

The not-for-profit organisation is urging participants to use their creativity to adapt its current logo which includes the green and purple ribbons that symbolise the Suffragette movement and interpret it in their own work.

Founded in 1992, Chwarae Teg works to support the economic development of women in Wales by encouraging equality and ‘fair play’ in the workplace, supporting women in their career progression, ensuring a level playing field in terms of opportunities and working with employers to maximise the impact of women in the workforce.

The contest is open to female students based in Wales who studying creative disciplines from A-level or equivalent and upwards. Such disciplines could include: art, photography, graphic design, fashion and sculpting, at school, university or college. The winner and two runners-up will have their work displayed for three months as part of a high-profile exhibition which will be launched during a special 20th anniversary celebration event in the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea on International Women’s Day-March 8th 2012.

Katy Chamberlain, chief executive at Chwarae Teg said: “The contest seeks to highlight the great contribution of women in the field of art and design. It will hopefully attract a wide and diverse selection of contemporary interpretations and applications of our logo.

“The winner and runners-up have a fantastic opportunity to have their work showcased for three months at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, which I truly hope will serve to act as a launch pad for their careers in the creative industries. We encourage entrants to be as imaginative and creative as possible and give their fresh perspective of this iconic symbol.”

Speaking in support of the competition, Adrian Newman, programme leader of BA (Hons) graphic design at the University of Wales Newport said: “In the current economic climate, it is vital that students are equipped through their studies to find professional employment as soon as possible after they graduate. The university supports students in capitalizing on their creative skills by teaching them how to deliver professional presentations, network and undertake competitions for commission.

"The Chwarae Teg design contest will provide students with a valuable opportunity to have their work seen in a prestigious public arena. It’s important that prospective students of art and design realise that their creative passion can also be an enterprise.”

Closing date for submissions is Sunday 18th December 2011 details of how to enter can be found at

http://www.chwaraeteg.com/design-contest/