Images of wellbeing

Competition closed.

We are looking for both moving and static posters that illustrate what wellbeing means to you. 

As an organisation we have a long history of producing static posters to inform, educate and campaign around safety, health and wellbeing. Today the way we consume media is changing, with posters becoming more digital-friendly. This is our first competition with both moving and static posters on the topic of wellbeing.

Why?

Research suggests that having art in the workplace or school/college boosts productivity, reduces stress and increases wellbeing. 

Who can enter?

There are two age categories:

• Under 21 years
• 21 and over

We welcome both individuals and groups to enter by 19 October. Entrants are free to submit more than one poster.

Is there a prize?

The winner will receive a prize of £500.

Runners-up will receive £250.

Plus a selection of posters will be exhibited at a London venue.

We can’t wait to see what you produce!

Wellbeing is a common idea these days, but what do we mean by it and what do we think produces or enhances it?

What is wellbeing?

Top of the list must be a sense of ‘feeling good’. It has an idea that our subjective state can be characterised by a sense of the positive (and of course, with poor wellbeing, a sense of the negative). It can draw in states of being that are more physical, mental or social

On the physical side, wellbeing can mean both an absence of pain but more crucially an enhanced feeling of physical capability and potential. 

Mentally it can mean calmness, but that doesn’t always mean an absence of thought. It can be when you are full of ideas and plans for the future. This can be characterised by ideas of hope and potential, but also of reflection and analysis.

Which brings us to the social. Feeling good can be closely connected to feeling socially connected, that you have people around you that you care about (friends, family etc), whose company you enjoy and/or activities that fulfil you.

What causes wellbeing?

What makes us feel good and enhance our wellbeing can be as varied as the people who live on this planet. Commonly, wellbeing is associated with a good life that is socially connected, meaningful activities, an interesting and rewarding job, good physical and mental health and a good balance between your capability and the demands that are placed on you.

Visualising wellbeing

Research tells us that sustained looking at an image can focus the mind on the here and now, helping to reduce racing thoughts by bringing you back to the present and what is in front of you. Any poster, for example, might want to draw attention to the shape of the image, to areas of light and shadow, to the colour and texture of the image.

Contestants in the competition will be asked to explain how their poster addresses wellbeing. For example, research shows that bright colours to brighten up a dark working environment can help mental wellbeing.

For inspiration and great ideas have a look at the Arts Council and Paintings in Hospitals.

Deadline for entry is Friday 19 October 2018. Winners will receive cash prizes and a selection of posters will be exhibited at a show in London.

Along with the poster, we would also like you to submit 300-500 words on how your work addressing:

• The theme your design explores
• How you would use the poster in the workplace/school
• Why you have chosen your message
• Who is the target of the message
• Where you would locate your poster (e.g. social media, staff room etc).

Please upload your submission using WeTransfer and send us the link in the form below.

If you need help with any of the specifications, please email us at [email protected], we'll be happy to help.

Please see the terms and conditions for full specifications.

Exhibit specifications

If you wish your poster to be exhibited at our show in London, please follow the specifications below for the best results.

Static posters should fit these specifications: please submit as a PDF, with a resolution of 300dpi, in colour format CMYK in size B1. It should also have a 3mm bleed to all edges.

Moving posters should be submitted as a MP4 file, exceed no more than 30 seconds. The poster will be displayed on a screen with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and be a minimum of HD 1080x1920 in size.