In the Spotlight

Entry numbers soar for deafblindness art competition
Top Scottish artist to judge 7th Helen Keller International Award

The Helen Keller International Award returns to Glasgow, exhibiting at the Collins Gallery Glasgow, January 13th - February 10th 2007. Since the last exhibition entry numbers for the 7th award have soared past the 250 mark as artwork from around the world arrived in Glasgow. Run by Sense Scotland since 1992, the competition is open to any artist, the only criterion being that the work submitted challenges perceptions of deafblindness.

Artwork from countries including Australia, China, India, Kenya, Russia and even a 32kg sculptural work from New Zealand, have been sent for display, in time for the crucial judging stage at the start of the exhibition. Judges, including acclaimed Scottish artist Matthew Dalziel, will whittle the work down to a shortlist for both the main award and the new under 16 years category, which will be revealed at the start of the exhibition run; the winner will then be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday February 2nd.

"The Helen Keller International Award continues to grow in scale and in stature," explained Kevin Harrison, Arts and Wellbeing Manager for Sense Scotland. "The last exhibition displayed an exhilarating range of work summed up by the wonderful winning piece, a moving short film by artist Matthew Humphreys about his father who was deaf and then became blind. This award promises to be even more stimulating; I'm also delighted that so many of the artists we work with will be displaying their work."

For the first time during the exhibition run, Sense Scotland arts tutors will deliver workshops to schools to help them understand how sensory impaired people experience the world, through visual arts and music sessions. The organisation has integrated arts development into its services for over ten years and recognises the potential that these activities have for developing communication and self-expression, while enhancing well being; they work across Scotland with people who have communication support needs because of deafblindness, sensory impairment, learning and physical disabilities.

Venue:

Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde, 22 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XQ

Dates:

13 January - 10 February 2007

Gallery telephone:

0141 548 2558

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

Sat 12noon-4pm

Sundays-Closed

Further Information:

Free entry.

Wheelchair entry on Richmond Street.

NCP car park off Montrose Street.

For more information about the Helen Keller International Award go to: www.sensescotland.org.uk/helenkeller

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