What makes you unique? At Pilgrims Hospices we spend a lot of time finding out what matters to each of our patients as individuals, so that we give them the care that is right for them. With this in mind, we decided to ask children across east Kent to think about what makes them special and to create a work of art that expresses their individuality – what makes them unique.

In 2020, Pilgrims ran an art competition for primary and secondary schools in east Kent that asked ‘What makes you unique?’ to coincide with Dying Matters Awareness Week. The exhibition was postponed due to COVID-19, so shortlisted entries will now be on display in the Front Room at The Beaney, Canterbury from 3 July-1 August 2021.

This is an amazing opportunity for children to have their artwork shown in an exhibition that will be seen by over 10,000 visitors.

Susan Hambidge, Senior Education and Training Administrator at Pilgrims Hospices, said:

“I have been overwhelmed at the response to What makes you unique? It has been a joy looking through the thoughtful and thought-provoking artworks entered by a wide variety of schools across the region. I hope everyone who visits the exhibition is moved to reflect on what matters to them and why it’s important to talk about it.”

A judging panel chose the shortlisted entries and will choose the winners. All prize winners will receive a framed certificate, and their school will win a selection of art materials generously sponsored by The Pelegrin Trust.

Paul Russell, Programming Officer at The Beaney, added:

“As an organisation that puts children and health and wellbeing at the forefront of what we do, we are delighted to host an exhibition of artwork by east Kent schoolchildren organised by Pilgrims Hospices. Valuing one’s (and others’) individuality and encouraging conversations about relevant issues such as end of life care is vital, and we are very much looking forward to a thought-provoking, lively, and unique exhibition from these talented young people.”

Judging panel

• Casey Brett is a practising artist in photography and film and an award-winning lecturer, currently working at Ashford College.
• Pauline Davis has a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art and is currently Chairman of The Arts Society Canterbury.
• Christopher Jones has a BA in Fine Art specialising in site-specific temporary installations and community art engagement, and he is the Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader at Pilgrims Hospices.
• Sue Sharp, Director of Income Generation and Marketing, Pilgrims Hospices.
• Emma Thomson studied Graphic Design before going on to write and illustrate 159 children’s books, including the much-loved Felicity Wishes titles.
• Mandy Williams, former Head of Education and Training at Pilgrims Hospices.

Please contact Pilgrims Education Department on 01227 821 616 or email education@pilgrimshospices.org if you have any questions or would like further information.

Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured.  The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.