Corinthia Hotel London welcomed the UK Minister for Culture, Ed Vaizey, and his esteemed panel of judges, including Downton Abbey’s, Dan Stevens, to announce the winner of the five-star hotel’s inaugural arts patronage initiative, the Corinthia Artist in Residency. Noemie Goudal has been selected as the first ever Corinthia Resident, and will benefit from her one-month residency at Corinthia to create a collection of work to be exhibited in the hotel in April 2012.

The Artist in Residency initiative reflects Corinthia London’s aim to foster the best of young talent from across different arts disciplines, this year focusing on photography.

The judging panel was comprised of some of the UK’s leading voices on the arts and design scene:

- Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture
- Dan Stevens, Actor, Downton Abbey
- Ben Evans, Director, London Design Festival
- Amanda Nevill, Director, British Film Institute
- Caroline Rush, CEO, British Fashion Council
- Josie Rourke, Artistic Director, The Donmar Warehouse
- Jan Dalley, Arts Editor, Financial Times

Over 1,000 recent photography graduates from British art schools all over the country were considered for the residency by responding to a creative brief focusing on different views of the vibrant cultural capital. Noemie will now take up the prestigious residency and produce a collection of work to be exhibited at the “Corinthia Artist in Residency Exhibition” in an area of the hotel of her choice in April 2012 – whether it be in the grand Victorian ballroom, against the pearly walls of the four-story spa, “ESPA Life at Corinthia,” or suspended from the ceiling of the grand dining room of The Northall restaurant.

The newly-opened Corinthia London is placed at a cultural crossroads in the vibrant artistic hub of London. With major cultural centers all around, including the National Gallery, the British Film Institute, the National Theatre, and previously unseen spectacular views from the seven individual Penthouses, there is inspiration at every turn. Artistic talent exudes from within the walls of the hotel with bespoke creations throughout, from the interior design of David Collins and GA Design, to the bronze lift doors by Greenwich-based artists, Based Upon, to the stunning 1,001 crystals of the bespoke “Full Moon” chandelier - every feature is a work of art.

Matthew Dixon, General Manager of Corinthia Hotel London, said: “Corinthia London is very proud to be taking our first steps in the supporting of young British-grown artistic talent. The arts are an integral part of the DNA of the hotel, from our surrounding major cultural centers to the bespoke British art on the walls, right down to the craftsmanship that is prevalent in every detail of the hotel. We are very excited for our winner to be living and breathing the artist inspiration that Corinthia London has to offer during the residency.”

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and Judge of The Corinthia Residency, said: “London has a worldwide reputation for the excellence of our culture and creative industries. The Corinthia Artist in Residency is a terrific scheme that will give one outstanding artist the opportunity to develop their work. I very much look forward to spending time with key players from the arts world and exploring the work of the next generation of young talent.”