HSBC offscreen competition winners begin art expedition

The winning students were participants in the 2008 HSBC Offscreen Competition. Students from over eight local schools in the four countries listed above were asked to submit posters and paintings that incorporated the themes: journeys, communication, young people, art and UK culture.

From the UAE, two students, Mohammed Al Kaabi from the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum School in Dubai and Abdullah Sultan Abdullah from Saeed Bin Jubair school in Ras Al Khaima were chosen from many potential candidates. They will be accompanied by Mr. Hamed Abdullah Abdul Hamid, English teacher at the Saeed Bin Jubair school. The winning posters clearly demonstrated their skills in interpretation, originality, creativity and artistic flair.

Sending her congratulations to the winners Kaltham Al Koheji Chairperson, HSBC in the Community Middle East Foundation said, "I congratulate the winners Mohammed, Abdullah and Mr. Abdul Hamid and would also like to thank all the other students for taking part. The pieces created illustrated a unique and intelligent perspectives on art and culture here in the UAE and over in the UK. I would also want to thank parents and teachers for providing the guidance, support and encouragement needed to our participating students.

"As the world's local bank, HSBC remains committed to projects that promotes cross cultural understanding and allows local students from all backgrounds to become involved in learning and understanding the true benefits of diversity. We are very proud to be involved in the Offscreen expedition, which aims to do just that," concluded Kaltham.

The Offscreen art expedition will involve a life changing journey into the heart of UK culture. Students will explore cultural and geographical landscapes across in England, Scotland and Wales. In London students will question politicians in the Houses of Parliament and make art inside St Paul's Cathedral as well as living with families and attending local schools in the East End. They will then travel to Scotland's capital Edinburgh before spending three days focusing on environmental issues on a farm in the highlands. From Scotland they travel to Manchester, to work with young British Muslims, then Wales, to make collages in collaboration with a local book artist in the world famous 'Town of Books', Hay-on-Wye. On route back to London, students will visit Eton. In London, the expedition will conclude with a celebratory lecture showcasing the students' experiences.

Every day during their journey, students will use satellite technology to communicate to their peers back home. Embracing a model developed by Offscreen and Digital Explorer, students will showcase their artwork, photography, films and diaries via Offscreen's groundbreaking on the program website.