The Judges
Our judges had the difficult job of choosing which artwork to hang in The Higgins Gallery after we had nearly 400 entries, from pupils ages four to 18.
Please see this years Judges below and watch the Judging process here: https://vimeo.com/951573343?share=copy.
![](https://www.harpur-art-competition.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tom-Perrett-Judge.png)
Tom Perrett
The Higgins Bedford
Tom Perrett is Manager for Libraries and Culture for Bedford Borough Council, which includes responsibility as Curator for The Higgins Bedford, as well as for the Borough’s Library Service and Bedford Corn Exchange.
He led on the redevelopment of the art gallery and museum, which aims to be a community hub that works both with and for local people. The museum has an impressive collection of works by Turner, Picasso, Bawden and a whole host of famous artists. The Higgins is proud to work in partnership with the Harpur Trust and to have exhibited the work of Bedford children as part of the project.
![](https://www.harpur-art-competition.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Elaine-Midgley-Judge.png)
Elaine Midgley
Bedford Creative Arts
Elaine is Director of Bedford Creative Arts (BCA) where she leads a team of staff, artists and freelancers that enable BCA to manage and deliver its diverse community-based programme of arts projects and activities.
Elaine is an experienced arts manager with expertise in fundraising, event management, arts development, and theatre. Prior to working at BCA she worked in youth and professional touring theatre, local authority arts development, and large-scale live event management including overseeing events such as the Cambridge visits of the Olympic Torch Relay and the Tour de France. She is Chair of the Bedford Cultural Partnership, a consortium of Bedford arts and cultural organisations.
![](https://www.harpur-art-competition.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Elaine-Midgley-Judge-2.png)
Steven Harris
Bedford College
Steven is Head of Art and Design at Bedford College. Bedford College, has been supporting the Arts for over 20 years, with courses to suit all levels and needs, developing students’ skills to support a diverse range of career opportunities within the creative arts industry.
Within the Art and Design department, Steven and the team work to ensure students feel confident about developing their ideas, considering constantly the purpose, context and commentary of their work, encouraging them to reach out to their community and inspire change through their work.