Frequently Asked Questions

How do you define ‘amateur’ artist?
I am not sure whether my work is good enough to enter?
I don’t live in ‘later life’ housing; can I still enter the competition?
Where does the entry money go?
I work in textile/mosaic/decoupage. Can I enter my work in EAC Art Awards?
A group of us work together in a care home, led by an art therapist. Can we enter our collaborative work?
What is the “Wellbeing“ prize?
I have heard that the Art Awards is moving towards an online event. I don’t use a computer. Can I still enter?
I am not sure which category my work falls into?
I don’t use a computer; can I vote for the People's Choice Award by telephone or post?
What are the arrangements for judging?
How will the prize-giving ceremony work?

How do you define ‘amateur’ artist?

The EAC Art Awards aim to attract entries from people who have taken up art in later life; perhaps whilst still at work or after retirement. Typically such amateur artists have not earned their living either now or in the past, through their art. We would nevertheless welcome entries from artists who make some money from sales and commissions but would ask professional artists to respect the spirit of the competition.

I am not sure whether my work is good enough to enter?

In recognition of the wide range of ability and talent that exists within the label of ‘amateur’ artist, we now have two prizes for each category, beginner and experienced amateur. On the entry form we ask you to self select the group that best describes you and you will be entered for that prize. Our ambition is to encourage artists of all ability to have a go and enjoy the experience of taking part. We also welcome entries of group or collaborative work.

I don’t live in ‘later life’ housing; can I still enter the competition?

Yes, all amateur artists over 60 can enter, but those people who live in sheltered/retirement housing or care homes and people who enter from a day centre have the additional benefit of being considered for the Angela Farnell prize. This is awarded in memory of the founder of EAC.

Where does the entry money go?

EAC is a charity and the EAC Art Awards are non-profit making. The entry fee goes towards our organisational and administrative costs. This year we have reduced the fee to £5 per entry to encourage wider participation.

I work in textile/mosaic/decoupage. Can I enter my work in EAC Art Awards?

We can accept any medium and you will need to be able to photograph your work. We welcome entries that are to your individual design (and not made from a kit). We aim to be inclusive and to celebrate creativity and talent in whatever material you use.

A group of us work together in a care home, led by an art therapist. Can we enter our collaborative work?

Yes, in fact, we have a specific prize for group/collaborative work.

What is the “Wellbeing“ prize?

This is a new award and you can opt to enter this additional prize. We want to demonstrate how art may have helped people to manage a difficult life event. Perhaps you belong to an Art Therapy group or maybe you took up art following a bereavement, loss or illness. We ask you to provide a short summary of how art has helped you to overcome difficulties or given you a new interest.

I have heard that the Art Awards is moving towards an online event. I don’t use a computer. Can I still enter?

Yes, we accept postal entries and they will be treated equally. However, we want to help people who are less familiar with the internet to develop new skills and the Art Awards is a route for this. If it is possible, we encourage you to enter online. Perhaps you could ask a family member for guidance or you may be able to seek help in the library. We check each entry, and if there are any problems, our EAC Art Awards volunteer will contact you by telephone.

I am not sure which category my work falls into?

There are 14 possible categories and we ask that you choose the one that you think is most applicable; you will then be entered for that prize. It is likely that some people will find that their work could fall into more than one category, for example, ‘Animals’ and ‘Portrait’. Just choose the one that you would prefer to enter. If you are unsure, choose “Other “and we will allocate it to a category.

I don’t use a computer; can I vote for the People's Choice Award by telephone or post?

Unfortunately we can only accept votes online. We have found that many people have successfully got round this by asking their housing scheme managers, doctors, district nurses, family, friends and neighbours to support them! It is a great way to get grandchildren involved and interested in your work. Remember that there are other prizes that you will qualify for.

What are the arrangements for judging?

Judging will take place shortly after the competition has closed. The judges for the 2012 EAC Art Awards will include Sally Bulgin, Editor The Artist Magazine, Ingrid Lyons, Editor of Leisure Painter Magazine and EAC Trustees and Volunteers. Artists will be informed of the judges‘ decision as soon as possible (14th January 2013 at the latest) and winners will be contacted with details and arrangements for the prize-giving event.

How will the prize-giving ceremony work?

Prize giving will take place at the House of Lords in February 2013. Artists' work will be displayed on large electronic screens so you will not have to deliver your original work to us as in previous years. It will be a time limited event and tickets will be allocated. Winners will be notified of the arrangements and will be asked to confirm whether or not they are able to attend.