Learning Disability Today
Supporting professionals working in learning disability and autism services

More entries than ever expected for 4th CREATE! Art for Autism competition

bulletchessThe CREATE! Art for Autism 2014 competition is now open with organisers already reporting a rise in the number of young people with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC) and Asperger’s syndrome seeking to display their creativity.

The national art competition, now in its fourth year, aims to inspire 11-25 year-olds to help dispel myths about autism by demonstrating their artistic skill and creativity across 1 of 5 categories: 2D art, 3D art, digital photography, digital animation and poetry.

Darren Jackson, director of education at CREATE! sponsors Beechwood College, said: “This campaign seeks to challenge the conventional barriers as to what is traditionally considered to be ‘art’, and instead raises the profile of the creative talents of those who through their autism are able to remain authentic in their thinking and vibrant in their subsequent responses.”

Inspired by creativity
The competition is open for entries until June 11, after which judges from the world of arts, the media and academia will choose the finalists for each category.

Winners and creators of commended pieces of artwork will receive individual prizes and prizes for their school, which will be handed out at an awards ceremony on July 18 at Beechwood College in South Wales.

Having handed out an award at last year’s ceremony, Jane Asher, actress, author and president of the National Autistic Society, said she is “inspired” by the creativity displayed by all the entrants.

The competition has grown in popularity and support every year and aims to improve on the success of last year’s competition, which received more than 800 entries from across the UK.

Further reading: CREATE! Art for Autism 2013 awards highlight ASC creativity

Alun Cairns, Conservative MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, is also a supporter of the competition. He said: “People with an autistic spectrum condition deserve the highest quality care possible and I feel very strongly that more needs to be done to raise awareness for this cause. Beechwood College is doing excellent work to improve the lives of young people with an ASC and I am delighted to be supporting them in their worthy campaign.”

Participants who meet the criteria can enter the competition or get further information from www.createartforautism.com, or write to [email protected].

Pictured: Last year’s 3D Art category winning piece, ‘Bullet Chess Pieces’ by Michael Gregory

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LDT Editor

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