Schools across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire and Warrington have until 21^st December to sign up to the annual dot-art Schools programme.

An inter school, online art competition, it culminates in a public vote and gallery exhibition.

Since its inception five years ago, more than 3000 students from almost 170 schools have taken part in the dot-art Schools programme.

Due to its success, a new partnership with Liverpool John Moores University has been formed, and this year sees the launch of a pilot scheme covering Cheshire West & Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington.

Further expansion across the North West is planned.

The scheme, open to Year 5 and Year 9 pupils, is designed to ‘nurture talent, raise aspiration and take art out of the classroom into the real world.’

The exhibition in Liverpool will take place at the Grade 1 listed St Georges Hall, with the Cheshire exhibition venue being announced in January.

For the second year, award winning international haircare brand Tangle Teezer will be the principal sponsor.

Lucy Byrne, Managing Director of dot-art commented: “We are very excited about the launch of our new scheme across Cheshire but also intend to keep growing and building on the success of the Liverpool programme. As the effects of cuts to arts subjects in the curriculum begin to be felt, we feel it is more important than ever to ensure children all have access to a creative education.”

Carolyn Murray, dot-art Schools Project Manager added: “We know the run up to Christmas is a busy period for teachers so all we need from them is a simple form which takes 5 minutes to complete. The programme will then begin in earnest in the new year.”

Schools need to sign up to the programme before Christmas. Find out how by visiting: http://schools.dot-art.com emailing schools@dot-art.com or calling 0345 017 6660.