WIILMA Lockdown All Ages Community Art Competition
It started locally then grew internationally…from Leyton to Leytonstone, Indonesia to Moldova!
The WIILMA ‘Create and Connect Safely from Home’ Community Arts Competition is an exhibition of entrants from the UK and around our World. Launched in London, in a beautiful historical Art Deco building in the gallery of Leytonstone Library, Bushwood, London E11 1HQ on display from Saturday 18th September supported by Barbican’s Leytonstone Loves Film Festival and LBWF Connecting Communities . Tag your favourites to our Instagram @wiilmamusicarts and please do email us supportive comments on what you think of the competition and artwork which will be passed on to artists.
ADULT CATEGORY - WINNERS
ADULT CATEGORY - SHORTLISTED ENTRIES
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE CATEGORY - WINNERS
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE CATEGORY - SHORTLISTED ENTRIES
We ran this competition during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and successive lockdowns, accepting entries safely online, to help distract creative minds during a difficult time; for all the benefits creativity brings to our Mental Health. A core tenet of the WIILMA mission. The wide range of fantastic entries span medias - from illustration to sculpture to painting - entered in response to key themes centered around community, culture, and positivity, including World Cultures, Inspiring Quotes, My Dreams & Love.
Though an East London-based community organisation, word spread far beyond London and entries were received from around the world. In the true inclusive spirit of WIILMA, all entries were accepted & welcomed.
The diversity in art, from all participating artists, spanning all ages, is an incredible celebration of talent, inspiration, creativity, and culture; taking the difficult period of international lockdowns, and turning it into something great. Lose yourself in art from Leytonstone to as far as India, Moldova, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Each piece with a wonderfully unique story to tell.
The impact of this competition has inspired many. Please read some poignant comments directly from entrants:
“This competition… was a great way to find some positivity in such a terrible situation. '“
“As this Global Health crisis of Covid19 spread an environment of fear and tension everywhere, In order to get rid of this negativity, This contest will definitely incorporate a ray of hope in the creative minds of numerous artists and even enhance their creativity.”
“It’s really pushed me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to think outside the box a little… I’m in love with how it’s turned out! It’s made me believe in myself and my abilities as someone who has social anxiety and suffers with spouts of depression at times and no self worth so this has really helped me see past some of my demons! Thank you WIILMA…”
“Any initiative that invites artists all around the world to create, especially during these times, is wonderful!”
“This competition made me discover new emotions, focusing on the offered themes, experimenting other artistic sides than academic ones. Thank you!”
“Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to show you our creativity…this art contest definitely benefited a large number of the population and a diverse range of ages. “