In the Spotlight

The 7th Helen Keller International Award launches
Sense Scotland art competition takes entries till end of April

The unique art competition returns for the seventh time as Sense Scotland, the charity which runs the award, takes register of entries till Friday 28th April 2006. The multimedia award is looking for any artists, from around the world, to submit a work which challenges perceptions of deafblindness. The winner of the last Helen Keller International Award was Welsh artist Matthew Humphreys whose film 'The Lost Reels' was a moving piece about his father, who is deaf and recently became blind. Work from runners up included paintings, sculpture and installations. Two of 2005's shortlisted artists are supported by Sense Scotland; one of these artists, Lewis Scott (pictured) helped launch the event with one of the award judges Monica Callaghan (also pictured).

"We are delighted to be launching the 7th Helen Keller International Award," explained Gillian Morbey, Chief Executive of Sense Scotland. "With both professional and non-professional artists from across the globe offering creative perspectives which challenge perceptions of deafblindness, the competition is always moving and thoughful. We're especially looking forward to seeing the entries from young people in the new under 16 years category."

Rules and how to enter:

• open to any artist; work submitted must challenge perceptions of deafblindness
• independent judges shortlist the work; artists' remain anonymous till judging is over
• winner receives a trophy and £1500; two runners up get a certificate and £200
• artists can now only submit a maximum of two pieces each
• awards take place in January 2007, as work is exhibited in Collins Gallery, Glasgow
• the competition is piloting a separate category for artists under the age of 16, to be judged separately, with the winner receiving a certificate and cheque for £100
• the closing date for receipt of entry forms is Friday 28th April 2006 at 5pm
• closing date to receive finished artwork is 1st September 2006

For an entry forms and a set of rules send an A5 S.A.E to:

Competition rules and online entry form at: www.sensescotland.org.uk/helenkeller

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