For Immediate Release
18 MARCH 2023: The Dorking Business Improvement District (BID) held an art competition to celebrate the King’s Coronation by embracing the town’s local artistic flair, independence and spirit. The BID is installing the competition winners’ artwork on lamp post banners, a large West Street banner, and on posters in shops around town, alongside bunting and flags that will be featured on the Dorking high street by local businesses to kick off the Coronation festivities.
The lamp post banners will remain during the summer months for visitors and residents alike to enjoy.
The Dorking BID received 29 artists’ submissions and nearly 1,750 votes were cast by the public over a two week period and the winners were selected by public vote.
The three winners will receive a trophy to commemorate the occasion, sponsored by The Boothole, located at 82 South St. The winners, by public vote, are:
First Place: Faith Conway-Dickens
Second Place: Tiffany Budd
Third Place: Sarajane ⭐️
Highly Commended: Lucy Rose
Highly Commended: Kelly, Sienna and Riley Morgan
Faith Conway-Dickens, who is ten years old, said:
“I love a lot of things, I like my cat of course his name is Socks. I love drawing and painting, ice skating and hanging out with my friends. I love playing ROBLOX with all my friends. I like the movie ‘Stranger things’ and squish-mallows. And my cat Socks is very funny, he is black and white I love him very much. He is the best. My dad has bought me very good pens/pencils which will help me with my skill with drawing/painting!”
When she heard the news, Tiffany Budd said:
“I am thrilled to have come second with such a high standard of entries. I can’t wait to see the winning artworks all over Dorking to celebrate the King’s Coronation. It will definitely brighten up our wonderful town!’
Sarajane responded to the news with:
“I’m absolutely over the moon that Twinkleton Artwork has been picked and especially honoured to be displayed in West Street. Thank you, it has been a great opportunity to celebrate some of the wonderful creative talent here in Dorking, congratulations and well done to everyone involved.”
Highly Commended artist Lucy Rose said:
“I feel incredibly proud that my work has been selected as a highly commended piece. Having recently begun my journey as a paid artist, it is a real confidence boost to have my work chosen and enjoyed by local people for such an important and historic celebration. I would like to dedicate ‘The Golden Cockerel’ to my sister who encouraged me to ‘go for it’ and who is my constant source of inspiration and motivation.”
Highly Commended artist Kelly Morgan said:
“Much like magic beauty can only be seen by those who believe it’s there.”
“We moved to the UK during lockdown in 2020. Never expecting to stay, as it was our stepping stone from South Africa. It was a lonely time due to covid restrictions but this forced us to explore parts of Dorking we may never have seen. The country side was our playground, our sanctuary and our healing. As Dorking started to open up we realised it wasn’t just the location we loved but the people too. Dorking has the most amazing energy and community spirit. It’s held the space for my family to bond and unite over the hurdles we have face leaving our very special South Africa. It’s for this reason it was important to us to create this work together. Dorking has become our home and will always have a very special place in our hearts.”
The Dorking BID is also sponsoring a Community Spirit Award for the DorKing Coronation Celebration on 8th May and it has been judged by three Surrey-based experts who embody and champion the values central to these awards. The BID is recognising three inspiring individuals in three categories: Sustainability Champion, Volunteer of the Year, and Best High Street Business.
– Ends –
Notes to Editors
Interviews and images are available on request. For more information, please contact Kathy Kyle at kathy@dorkingtownpartnership.co.uk or 07377 096 892.
About the Dorking Town Centre Partnership
The Business Improvement District (BID) for Dorking is committed to raising the profile of Dorking and bringing economic prosperity to the town. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram at @HelloDorking. Tag us to be featured at #HelloDorking.
Learn more about the Dorking BID at https://linktr.ee/hellodorking
Social Media: @hellodorking
