Foundation Learning student artwork goes on display in British Library 

Marat Imanov, a Foundation Learning student, has seen his artwork go on display in the British Library, after winning a Highly Commended award in a prestigious National competition this summer. 

Organised by Sanctuary Foundation, the competition invited students from Years 3 to 13 to create an artwork or poem reflecting on the lives of the 43.3 million displaced children worldwide. Their created pieces set out to illustrate their empathy with, or their own experience of, being separated from the place children call home. Entries were judged on their effectiveness in expressing empathy with aspects of the refugee experience.  

Marat’s powerful piece stood out among the submissions, securing a place as one of the top four entries displayed at the British Library during National Refugee Week (Monday 17 June – Friday 21 June 2024). His work showcases how moving to a new country can feel, using colour to contrast the landscape of Ukraine with the city of London, highlighting the sense of unfamiliarity with new surroundings. 

Marat arrived in the UK from Ukraine in 2022 as part of the Ukraine Resettlement Scheme. Since then, he has shown incredible dedication to his studies, particularly in improving his English skills. His hard work and talent has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his progression to a Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design next year. 

Marat’s achievements also extend beyond this competition. He is now a finalist in a UCA (University for the Creative Arts) art competition with the theme of ’Chaos’. Additionally, he was honoured with this year’s EKC Canterbury College Outstanding Student Award for Foundation Learning, further showing how he is making an impact in the College. 

Marat’s tutor, Vanessa Chapman has been with him on his EKC Canterbury College journey and has seen him grow as an individual. She accompanied him to the prize ceremony at the British Library on Friday 21 June, to see him receive his award. 

She said of the day: “It was a wonderful and emotional event, which I felt privileged to attend with Marat. He has come such a long way since he first joined us, and we are all just so incredibly proud of him.” 

We wish Marat continued success in his upcoming competitions and his future studies. We’re looking forward to seeing how his potential grows as he begins his Art and Design course next year. 

Learn more about the Foundation Learning programmes at EKC Canterbury College and how they support students like Marat to achieve their full potential through dedicated learning opportunities and creative expression.