Sir Peter Blake joins search for nation's "Fan Gogh"

Eminent Chiswick artist to judge art competition for football fans

Barclays and the Arts Council England have launched a nationwide art competition for football fans entitled 'Finding Fan Gogh' and have convinced Sir Peter Blake to join its panel of judges.

In a celebration of the passion and excitement of being at a game supporting your club, plus the on pitch artistry and invention football fans see, fans are invited to show ‘what football means to them’.

From the grit of grassroots to the Barclays Premiership elite, supporters can choose the aspect of football that inspires them and convey this in art form - drawing, painting, photography or collage.

Joining Sir Peter Blake on a panel representing the worlds of football and art responsible for the judging process and selecting a winner will be Sir Christopher Frayling, chairman Arts Council England, Jim Hytner, Barclays marketing director, Sara Cox and Chappers, Radio One DJ and West Ham United's Teddy Sheringham.

The winner will receive £10,000 and have their artwork displayed on a giant advertising board near their local Barclays Premiership team. Five runners up will receive £1,000 each.

Barclays marketing director Hytner said “Football and art are two of the nation’s most popular pastimes, this project combines the two and gives fans the chance to show what football really means to them in a creative way. We are delighted to have teamed up with the Arts Council England for this exciting competition.”

Sheringham said “I’m obviously passionate about football, so it’s going to be interesting to see what fans come up with and how they interpret the game through art. I’m sure the standard of entries will be fantastic.”

Sir Christopher added: "Entrants don’t need to be professional artists, but do need to be able to put over how they feel about the beautiful game. With the Barclays Finding Fan Gogh competition we’re looking for entries that communicate visually the passion and excitement of modern day football."

November 30, 2006