Coastwise Creative Competition winners announced

About the competition

The Coastwise Creative Competition closed for entries on 31 January 2025.

We asked entrants to aim to answer the following question:

How can we communicate coastal change along the north Norfolk coast, its impacts on coastal communities and the benefits of preparing and adapting?

Judges were looking for entries that meet one or more of the following criteria:

Winners (individual entries)

First prize: Gennadiy Ivanov

I first started painting the impacts of climate change on the Norfolk coast in 2015. Since then, I have produced 35+ paintings and 20+ field drawings of the continuing destruction of our coast. All this activity started with the deep emotion I felt when I first saw – and then started painting – the destruction of our beautiful Norfolk coastline.

After major international exhibitions, I would like to offer my paintings to this fantastic local initiative: – to seek further inspiration from those people who are at the sharp end of the impacts of human-induced climate change and, ideally, to help build a cadre of local artists who can help portray deeply-felt emotions and channel them into constructive engagement with Norfolk citizens and decision-makers.

“Original, immediately understood and imaginative. Powerful impactful images showing coastal change, very accomplished work.”

Judges’ comments

Second prize: Dylan

This photograph illustrates the dramatic effects of coastal erosion on the landscape and human-made structures. The cliff face, with eroded loose soil near its edge, highlights the instability caused by the natural forces of wind and waves. A pile of debris lies at the base of the cliff, suggesting that erosion has claimed part of a previously built structure. The image reflects on the destructive power of coastal erosion, a force which not only reshapes the natural environment but also impacts upon communities along vulnerable North Norfolk coastlines.

“A dramatic photo in black and white that shows the manmade features of the environment in colour to demonstrate the impact. A striking image, well-crafted and thought provoking. Angle and colour are great conveying a clear message.”

Judges’ comments

Third prize: Marina Baker

The Arc is inspired by moving to one of the frontlines of climate change in the UK and realising hardly anyone thinks the unthinkable can happen (catastrophic coastal erosion and storm surges) and have no knowledge that the unthinkable has happened before. Only by learning from the past and working together can we carve out a sustainable and resilient future for all. The Arc is our story.

“The ARC was a unique and original entry. We could see this being performed. A tale of caution bringing together several threads around coastal change and showing an opportunity to learn from the past.”

Judges’ comments

Winners (educational groups and establishments)

First prize: Tayler

Artwork created in response to the theme focusing on coastal erosion and climate change. Collage on canvas using tissue paper and flags of the world, representing the impact of climate change across the world.

“This is a great depiction of togetherness for a better planet. We love the use of 3D texture with tissue paper, it add a great dimension to the piece. This is a really interesting piece.”

Judges’ comments

Second prize: Pheobe

Artwork created in response to the theme focusing on coastal erosion and climate change. 3D clay sculpture on wooden board, painted depicting 2 sides of the world: damaged by climate change, and our ideal world.

“The figures you've included in you sculpture represent the message really well. The effective use of three colours to portray the planet with and without climate change create strong imagery.”

Judges’ comments

Third prize: Bella

Artwork created in response to the theme focusing on coastal erosion and climate change. Painted canvas depicting impact of climate change on half of the world.

“A powerful, clear message has been created with this illustration. There is a great use of colour - vivid and direct. This is a great perspective of global climate change that we found really eye catching.”

Judges’ comments

Additional winner: Climate Change Mitigation

Emma Lincoln

Grandpa's House

I have created a short book which teaches younger children (and adults) about coastal erosion and how we can help prevent it. It was inspired by a lifetime spent in Norfolk, with regular visits to the coast!

It was created from original watercolour paintings which are finished with coloured pencils before being scanned. The text, background and spot illustrations were added digitally. The pages are trimmed and then stitched together by hand.

“Beautiful illustrations and great use of mixed media. Concept is great and well executed with clear and dedicated section on actions to reduce climate change. We were really struck by the hopeful and practical messages that it gives in the face of profound change. Engaging with some great messages.”

Judges’ comments

Upcoming exhibition

The winning entries and up to 20 shortlisted entries will be displayed in an exhibition at the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre within the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Visitors Centre in Cley between Tuesday 18 March to Monday 5 May 2025.