Five year old Iona Wishart has been named as the youngest winner in the history of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society’s annual schools poster competition, supported by Virgin Money.
A pupil from St Mary’s School in Melrose, Iona’s poster was praised by judges for capturing the playfulness and energy of the Fringe.
The competition, supported by Virgin Money and now in its 33rd year, attracted 5,671 entries from 198 schools across Scotland, compared to 3,907 entries in 2012. The winners were announced at a special unveiling at The Museum of Childhood.
Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Kath M Mainland said:
“Iona’s design made all the judges smile. For someone so young she’s done a truly fantastic job. We can’t wait to see her poster all over Edinburgh for everyone to appreciate, they are an iconic memento of the Fringe and popular with visitors from across the world.
“We know how much schools enjoy being part of this competition and I’m delighted that this year so many more schools took part.”
Paul Lloyd, Virgin Money Marketing Director said:
“Virgin Money is delighted to support The Fringe Schools Poster Competition, one of the longest-running arts outreach projects in Scotland. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, making it difficult to pick a winner. However, Iona's entry showed real flair and creativity and fully deserves to be the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe Schools Poster Competition winner."
Every year, the winning design becomes the official poster for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is used on mugs, bags and t-shirts and other merchandise available to buy in the Fringe shop on the Royal Mile or via the Fringe website.
Runners up were fourteen year old Dean Redburn from Smithycroft Secondary School, Glasgow and seven year old Emma Capderou from Robert Gordon’s College, Aberdeen.
The competition is open to all five to sixteen year olds in Scotland. Entrants are asked to create a poster design reflecting their interpretation of the Fringe. Schools are then supported with resources and lesson plans to get the most out of the competition.
Iona’s poster will be displayed at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh from 24 May until 26 August as part of an exhibition alongside the posters from Dean, Emma, 13 regional winners and 57 shortlisted entries. Iona will receive a £300 cash prize and her school art department will be awarded £750. Emma and Dean will receive £150 each and their respective schools art departments a gift of £400. Competition sponsors Virgin Money will also be providing tickets to the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert 2013.
For more information and images contact Edinburgh Festival Fringe Media Office on 0131 240 1919 or email [email protected]