Art competition launched in honour of female political pioneers
21 March 2023
The 'My Island' art competition has launched today, to mark the naming of meeting rooms in the States Chamber building. The meeting rooms will be named after Caroline Trachy and Ivy Forster, two key figures in the history of the States Assembly who paved the way for future generations of female politicians in Jersey.
Caroline Trachy was a long-term campaigner for female representation in the States Assembly, and the first woman to stand for election to the States in 1922. Her efforts were instrumental in breaking the barriers for other women to stand for election in Jersey. It was possible for Ivy Forster to be elected as a Deputy for St. Helier in 1948 as a result of Caroline Trachy's persistence for the political system to embrace equity.
In celebration of the naming of the meeting rooms and to mark 'Women's History Month', we are inviting female Islanders to take part in the 'My Island' art competition, which is open to students (aged 7-18) and adults (aged 19+). We welcome photography, print, drawings, paintings and collages on the theme of 'My Island'.
The winning artworks will be displayed in States Assembly buildings for 12 months and prizes will be awarded for each of the four age groups (7-11, 12-15, 16-18 and 19+). There will also be a prize for the runners up in each age group category. The deadline for entry is at 5pm on Friday 21 April.
Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, Connétable Karen Shenton Stone speaks about the competition and the importance of recognising women in history: "we are really excited to launch this competition and highlight female artists in Jersey. It is important to recognise the women that paved the way for future generations and having female artwork in the Caroline Trachy and Ivy Forster rooms reinforces the progress the Assembly has made with female representation. We hope that local female students and artists take up this unique opportunity to share their artwork and be part of women's history in Jersey".
The competition winners will be announced at an unveiling event of the meeting rooms in May, which will showcase the winning artwork to Islanders and States Members. More information about this event will be shared in April.
Please head to the States Assembly website here to find out more about the 'My Island' competition, including, how to apply, prizes and Terms and Conditions.
