Nicholas Singh succeeded in impressing the judges with his art titled Sticks and Stones, to emerge as the winner of the 2015 blink-bmobile Art Mentorship Programme.
This year, applicants were given the challenge to produce graphic art posters with messages to discourage cyber bullying, for a chance to share in over $25,000 in prizes, as well as the opportunity to be mentored by well respected, professional graphic artist Bryan Greaves.
In addition to Singh, respective second- and third-place winners, Aneesa Khan and Amaara White, along with the other top ten entrants will also have the opportunity to be mentored by Greaves in a special mentorship programme designed by blink-bmobile for them, a release from the company said.
Blink-bmobile's acting chief marketing officer, Camille Campbell, explained that the theme of the competition this year was aimed at addressing the growing issue of cyberbullying and the negative impact it has had among youths.
She said as a telecommunications company, blink-bmobile felt that it was important to promote the positive use of the Internet as a forum for uplifting and encouraging young people particularly since the technology is so easily accessible and widely utilised throughout the population.
"In keeping with the aim of the Art Mentorship Programme, in which we always seek to create learning opportunities and impart positive experiences on young people, we felt that cyberbullying was an important concern that was affecting them and we wanted them to have their say on it," said Campbell.
"Through the blink-bmobile foundation, which focuses on helping young citizens of T&T through education, sport, culture and health, we believe that looking at the issue of cyber bullying through their eyes will provide insights to discourage young people from putting technology to destructive use, while simultaneously provide an opportunity for their advancement and development."
She noted that the talent demonstrated in the art pieces proved that when used correctly, technology can indeed produce very positive results.
Campbell urged more youths to utilise technology in meaningful ways for the betterment of the country, as cyberbullying has proven to have devastating effects on the lives of many children.
Greaves, who also judged the competition, said he is looking forward to the mentorship programme as he is already quite impressed with some of the work he has seen. "The entries we saw were quite interesting. I was impressed with the creativity of the young artists," said Greaves.
"Generally I thought the ideas and concepts were very good and our aim in the mentorship programme will be to help them become more accomplished at their art."
He said the group will be divided into two classes, one for participants who have some background in graphic design while the other group will consist of beginners with less experience in graphic design.
In addition to learning actual graphic design skills and techniques, Greaves said the training will also focus on teaching the participants about the graphic design work environment to the extent that they will be able to do internships in the industry.
Results
1st: Nicholas Singh–Sticks and Stones
2nd: Aneesa Khan–New Kind of Boogeyman
3rd: Amaara White–Think Before You Type
4th: Ryan Williams–Caution Tape
5th: Brandon Hilton-Clarke–Cyberbullying Affects Real Lives
6th: Jeanine Lee Kim–It Hurts Just As Bad
7th: Javed Ali–Take A Stand Against Cyber Bullying
8th: Gideon Balgobin–Be A Buddy Not A Bully
9th: Amanda Callender–We Are What We Type
10th: Curshelle Williams–Would You Post Negativity
11th: Ryan Figuera–Be A #Cyberhero
12th: Samantha Nicolette Charles–Be Kind Online.