PEOPLE of all ages are being encouraged to get creative this Easter to be in with the chance of winning one of £8,000-worth of prizes.

The Bournemouth and Poole College Art Prize aims to encourage school children, college students and adults from the wider community to embrace their artistic talents and create their own interpretation of the theme People and their Environment.

Members of the public have until May 18 to register online and submit an image of their piece for the art prize. There are several categories within the competition, including the 14 to 15 Years Art Competition, 16 to 18 Years Art Competition, Digital Arts Prize and the £3,000 Bursary for Best Art and Design Student at Bournemouth and Poole College.

Nick Day, Head of Art and Design at Bournemouth and Poole College, says that while young people have the time off school for the holidays they could get working on a submission for the competition.

He said: “Parents have a great opportunity over the Easter holidays to encourage their son or daughter to get involved in the college’s art prize, especially if they are creative and enjoy art at school.

He added: “As the theme is People and their Environment, it can also be a chance for families to explore the beautiful Dorset area and get inspiration for a unique piece of art.”

Nick said that artworks can be created in any media and entered by anyone.

The Bournemouth and Poole College Art Prize aims to be on a level playing field with other prizes in the art world, including that of the Turner Prize, which offers a monetary sum of £25,000 to the winner each year.

For more information, go to Thecollege.co.uk/artprize.