All classes will now be split junior and senior as per the RDA rules. There is no longer a need to have a relevance to RDA in the art work but it must be equestrian themed.
Who can enter?
The Arts & Crafts competition, as part of the RDA National Championships, is always an incredibly
popular event – providing a great opportunity for participants to express themselves through art. It
is open to all participants of all ages in RDA and gives everyone the chance to take part in the RDA
National Championships in some way, and to achieve recognition.
Classes are available, with junior and senior sections, for both individual and group artwork,
and entries can be made in the form of drawings, paintings, collages, sculptures, textile creations
and even photography.
We’re always amazed by entrants’ creativity and imagination! As in previous years, we’ll be offering
entry classes for both individual and group artwork, and these can be drawings, paintings, collages,
sculptures, textile creations and new for this year, photography. It’s a fantastic opportunity to involve
families, schools, colleges or care centres, too, as participants are welcome to create their artwork
at any time – in RDA sessions, in the classroom or at home.
How do groups take part?
We recommend that groups speak with their Regional Chair as soon as possible for specific dates
and deadlines for the regional round of judging, as it will vary from region to region. If you are
unsure who your Regional Chair is, please consult the RDA Handbook in the first instance. There
should be several copies in your group. If you cannot find this, or are still unsure, please contact
RDA National Office on 01926 492915 and press option 2 for the Group Support Team.
The winners from all classes in the regional rounds will qualify for the finals, which will be judged
on Saturday 13th July 2024, at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire.
The winners for all Arts & Crafts classes, in places 1st – 6th will be announced on the same day.
How will the artwork be marked?
The following updated marking system will be used for at both the regional judging
and the finals at the RDA National Championships:
1. Composition and relevance to Class 20 marks
2. Originality, use of materials and colour 20 marks
3. Overall impression 20 marks
Total 60 marks
Sizing guide for all classes:
A1 (W x H) 594mm x 841mm / 23.4” x 33.1”
A2 (W x H) 420mm x 594mm / 16.5” x 23.4”
Maximum size of sculptures
We don’t specify a maximum size for sculpture classes. But please do bear in mind that any work
submitted needs to be able to be photographed as a whole sculpture.
Definition of Artwork Types
Artwork entered in the wrong class will not be judged – so please avoid any disappointment by
carefully reading the following definitions of ‘Pictures/ Painting and Drawing’, ‘Collage’, ‘Sculpture’
and ‘Photograph’ for the purposes of this competition:
Paintings/Drawings: Artwork must be produced using pens, inks, crayons, pencils or similar, with
no details stuck on, or extra embellishments added.
Photography: Entries in this class must be photographs taken by the entrant themselves, to show
off their photography skills. Still digital or analogue camera (film) prints acceptable. Please ensure
that written permission has been obtained from any people featured (if applicable) before sharing
any images. Please do not frame pictures with glass, or use heavy or fragile frames.
Collages: Artwork must be created by sticking different materials such as photographs, pictures,
coloured paper, fabric onto paper or card, canvas, a sheet of fabric etc. Collage classes will also
encompass embroidery pieces, on a flat canvas or cloth. Work must be one-sided and be wall-mountable. Please do not frame pictures with glass, or use heavy or fragile frames
Sculptures: Artwork can be in any material. Sculpture classes will also include any textile work that
is multi-dimensional and not flat. Please note the size restrictions for these classes, and the portability of the artwork.