In the Spotlight

8th Helen Keller International Award launches
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall new venue for unique art competition

Sense Scotland has just announced the launch of the 8th Helen Keller International Award. The competition aims to challenge the perceptions of deafblindness. This is interpreted in many different ways, eliciting a diverse array of artwork in a broad range of media. It also includes the submission of work by artists who are deafblind themselves.

The last award received entries Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Holland, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United States and across the United Kingdom. The winner of the last award was Yvonne Larkin, from East Kilbride for her collaborative piece 'Love Colour', a giant illuminated heart. A £100 cheque went to another Scottish entrant, Hannah Duncan for the under 16 prize.

The exhibition for the 8th Helen Keller International Award will be hosted by Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, with the exhibition situated in the café bar, island bar and mezzanine level galleries. The exhibition will run from 4th April - 4th May 2009. A preview event will take place at the gallery on the 4th April where the shortlists for the awards will be announced; winners will be announced at the award ceremony on 17th April 2009. The exhibition is kindly supported with grant funding from ITV.

Summary of rules and how to enter:

• open to any artist; work submitted must challenge perceptions of deafblindness and sensory impairment
• independent judges shortlist the work; artists' remain anonymous until judging is complete
• winner receives a trophy and £1500; two runners up get a trophy and £200
• artists can submit a maximum of two pieces each
• prizes awarded in April 2009 at the exhibition in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
• the competition has a separate category for artists under the age of 16, with the winner receiving a trophy and cheque for £100
• the closing date for receipt of forms is:
  • 19th December 2008 for the application registration
  • 23rd January 2009 entry form and preliminary documentation
  • 2nd – 6th March 2009 final pieces, chosen in long-listing process, to be received

Click here for more information about the Helen Keller International Award and Registration information

For an application form and guidleines contact:

Back to the news page