Students to create original artwork for the Magna Carta festival

To celebrate the role of St. Albans in the writing of the Magna Carta nearly 800 years ago, Oaklands College Foundation Year Art students have been commissioned by St Albans City and District Council and SA Law to create original artwork capturing the essence of the Magna Carta. The art works will be exhibited in St. Albans Abbey and Town Hall during the 2010 Magna Carta Festival in June.

Oaklands College Art students have been asked to respond to a design brief titled ‘Rights and Freedom’, themes that formed the basis of the original construction of the Magna Carta document. There is no restriction on output and the project has been confirmed as part of the students’ 2010 curriculum.

Mark Dawe, Principal and Chief Executive commented: “We are very honoured to have our students play such a key role in this summer’s Magna Carta celebrations in St Albans. We feel that it will enrich their 2010 learning experience as well as bring new artwork to the local community.”

Councillor Chris Oxley, The Mayor of St Albans City and District, commented: “St Albans District has a rich history to be proud of and we are delighted that Oaklands College students will be able to contribute creatively to this cultural event that is important not only for the District, but for the whole of the UK and most Commonwealth countries”

Marilyn Bell, Partner of SA Law commented: “As a St Albans law firm, we’re delighted to help celebrate what is undeniably a landmark moment in English legal history. We commend St Albans City and District Council for commissioning artwork from local students which is a wonderful way of bringing the sprit of Magna Carta to life.”

St Albans is one of the 5 cities that share the hosting of the Magna Carta Festival celebrations, which come to the City every 15 years.

The artwork will be judged in April when the winners will be announced and viewing by the general public will be throughout the Magna Carta celebrations in June. The works of art will be on sale with proceeds going to charity.

Councillor Melvin Teare, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage at St Albans City and District Council said: “A big thank you to Oaklands College for their support in the run up to this summer’s Magna Carta Festival in St Albans, which will be officially launched later this year.”