This year, in celebration of Newham being the home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, both amateur and professional artists were asked to theme their work around the Games. Artists were asked "What do the Olympics coming to Newham mean to you?"
Over forty entries were received of which twenty one were short listed by Richard Gooding OBE, Chief Executive of London City Airport and displayed in the airport terminal.
The first prize of £500 was awarded to Rhoda Webb from Forest Gate for her photo montage entitled Renewal. Rhoda said "this is the third time I have entered and in the last two annual Art Awards I was lucky enough to receive the accolade of Highly Commended. I really enjoyed the challenge of this year's topic of the 2012 Olympics and I am delighted to have won"
Daksha Amin from Forest Gate scooped the second prize of £300 for her oils on canvas piece entitled ‘Olympics in Newham', whilst in third place was Allan Williams from Manor Park. Allan took home the £200 prize for his artwork entitled ‘Les and Len before the Olympics'. Roger Mortimer was highly commended for his entry. Roger from Plumstead was presented with a bottle of champagne in recognition of his creative work entitled ‘In the Crowd'.
Richard Gooding said "I look forward to the Art Awards just as much as the artists who take part each year. The end result is a fantastic exhibition which is admired by both staff and international passengers traveling through the airport. I would like to thank the London Borough of Newham for their continued support of this lively event and congratulate not only the winners but everyone who took part".
Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham said "The 2012 Olympics means so many different things to so many people. The array of opinions is expressed throughout the annual Art Awards exhibition. Art is a really significant activity and one that the whole community can take part in. Events such as the annual Art Awards highlight just how much great talent we have in Newham and I am delighted to continue to support the airport in this excellent way".
The Annual Art Awards exhibition will remain on display within the airport terminal until Tuesday 3 June.
