Home and belonging
STEP Annual Art challenge and online exhibition 2025To celebrate GRT History Month 2025, STEP launches the Annual Art Challenge. This year’s theme is ‘Home and Belonging’. Classes and individual children and young people of all ages are invited to complete the challenge.
Practitioners should encourage participants to use art to share their ideas about home and belonging. A tablet device will be awarded to the most creative artwork in each of three age categories: up to 7 years, 8-11 years, and over 12s. Runner-up prizes include Love2shop vouchers.
We accept artwork in any materials. We’d love to see drawing, painting, printmaking, 3-dimensional art, digital art or video. Entries should be photographed and sent to STEP. We are accepting submissions throughout May and June.
The theme
The theme “Home and Belonging” explores the concept of what makes a place a home and the diverse ways in which people create a sense of belonging. This theme is particularly powerful in promoting community cohesion and raising awareness of the positive aspects of Gypsy and Traveller lives and culture. By exploring the different values and experiences associated with the idea of home, children from both settled and nomadic communities can engage in meaningful conversations about their cultures and attitudes. This exploration helps to highlight the universal nature of seeking a place where one feels safe, loved, and accepted, while also appreciating the unique traditions and practices that different communities bring to their concept of home.
How to take part
1. Discuss ideas around home and belonging with students. You can check out our inspiration boards below for ideas and help with techniques. You can also get ideas for approaches from the ‘Activities’ or adapt them to suit your learners.
2. Take at least two photos of the completed artwork using a camera, a tablet or mobile phone.
3. Email step@ed.ac.uk with the image files, name, age and a contact email or mobile number so that we can contact you.
Please note that by submitting the artwork, the young person and family are agreeing to the work being displayed on the STEP website and social media channels. Images can be shared and displayed either with the young person’s name or anonymously. Please state with submission details whether you do not want the young person’s name displayed.
INSPIRATION BOXES
Artwork exploring home and belonging
In this inspiration box, we’ve brought together examples of art that has been produced about the concept of home and belonging. Think about what kinds of homes are represented? In what ways do you relate to it? In what ways is it different to your own home? When do you feel a strong sense of belonging? What techniques have they used?
Art techniques to help you get started!
In this inspiration box you’ll find links and videos showing a wide range of creative art making techniques that you can try out when making you artwork. If you are using digital media, then have a look at the apps and tools we’ve suggested that are great for making digital art using iPads or your phone, digital paint tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Artists from nomadic communities
This inspiration box provides links to wonderful artists from traditionally nomadic communities. You’ll find a wide range of artists using all sorts of techniques – from the futuristic digital creations by Irish/Scottish Traveller Dean Rheims to Scottish Traveller Stacey Hilton’s 3-dimensional art installations. Think about who’s work speaks to you the most or maybe you relate more than the others…?