FAQs | Articulation Prize | National Gallery, London

Can my students talk about multiple artworks and artists during their presentation?

Students are asked to deliver a ten-minute presentation on one artwork, piece of architecture or artefact of their choice. If it is relevant to their presentation, they are welcome to refer to other artworks or artists for context

What’s the rule regarding physically viewing the work of art in question?

We encourage speakers to visit their local art galleries, museums, exhibitions, and architectural spaces to select local subjects for their talks. First-hand experience with the work of art being discussed is encouraged, but not mandatory. Students who present on an artwork that they have not seen first-hand will not be penalised by the adjudicator.

Do my students need to learn their presentations off by heart?

This is in no way compulsory. Notes are permitted but, remember this is a public speaking initiative. To allow for a more engaging presentation, we do not recommend reading directly from an essay.

If I only have one student sign up, can I still enter and do I still need to run an Internal heat?

Each school or college needs to select their chosen speaker by running an Internal heat. We would highly recommend that all students in your cohort take part to give everyone the opportunity to develop in confidence, even if some may initially be reluctant. However, we recognise that this might not always be possible, in which case, you do not need to run an Internal heat. We would strongly recommend for your student to practise their talk in front of a live audience before their regional heat / final, so that they are better equipped for the event.

Is there a limit to the number of slides speakers can use within their PowerPoint presentations?

There isn’t a limit, but as presentations cannot be longer than 10 minutes, it is important to consider the number of slides which will best illustrate the contents of the talk. You want to allow time for the audience to engage with the artwork too, especially if they have never seen it before, and this might mean spending more time on each slide.

How many online mentoring sessions should we attend?

We normally allow for one per school or college group, but we are of course happy to arrange another session if needed. Online mentoring sessions are open to educational groups / institutions from the state sector only.

Can my students choose to talk about a film / documentary?

They can of course choose to talk about a film or documentary. These, along with textiles for example, are all visually artistic mediums which can be analysed, in the same way you might analyse a painting. We have had talks on everything from fashion and video games to advertisements and postcards.

Does the photo consent form need to be signed by the school / college or the parent of the student taking part?

All consent forms need to be signed by a parent or guardian, unless the speaker is 18, in which case they can sign for themselves.

Is it okay for my students to include a short video / audio clip in their presentation?

Unless deemed an essential aspect to the presentation, we would strongly recommend not to include audio or visual clips. Each venue varies in the tech teams available on the day, and we therefore cannot guarantee that they will work.

Do clips need to be included in the total time?

Yes, any clips shown as part of the presentation will need to be included in a total time of 10 minutes.

Will the presentations be filmed?

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to film all presentations and only the Grand Final presentations are professionally filmed. We will photograph all events, however, to share with you.

How does a joint internal school / college heat work?

We suggest that one student from each school or college taking part in the joint heat goes through to a regional heat. Therefore, both schools or colleges would be required to register. If you only want to put one speaker through, but one institution is from the independent sector and one from the state sector, the independent institution should register and pay the fee. On the booking form you can tick the box that states that you would like to nominate a particular non-fee-paying school / college to take part.

Can FE colleges apply?

We welcome all educational institutions to take part, including FE colleges, youth groups, and home-schooled students. Individual applications will be considered. Please contact articulation@nationalgallery.org.uk to enquire.

Is it ever the case that presentations are censored?

If a presentation’s content raises safeguarding issues, we will ask to read through the presenter's script before they speak at their allocated regional heat or final. Please remember that Articulation events are attended by people of all ages. In some instances, we may need to give a content warning ahead of the delivery of the presentation, but we will always consult with you and your speaker throughout the process. If you are in any doubt about whether your speaker’s presentation raises safeguarding issues, please do get in touch.

How can I watch previous Articulation talks to show to my students?

The Grand Finalists’ presentations from previous Articulation Prizes, as well as a selection of other talks, are available to watch on the Articulation YouTube page.

Why are there different application deadlines for different regions?

As a result of increased demand in London and the South of England, we have brought the application deadline forward to help with our planning and to give all participants the best possible experience. Schools in London and in the South of England ( excluding schools and colleges in Devon and Cornwall) will now need to apply by Monday 30 September 2024. Schools in other regions of England will need to apply by Monday 21 October.