Frequently Asked Questions

How do you define ‘amateur’ artist?
What happens if I am chosen for the exhibition? How do I deliver my work to you?
I don’t live in sheltered housing; can I still enter the EAC Art Awards competition?
Where does the entry money go?
I work with mosaic/ decoupage/ (any other medium). Can I enter my work in the EAC Art Awards?
A group of us work together in a care home, led by an art therapist. Can we enter our collaborative 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.

What happens if I am chosen for the exhibition? How do I deliver my work to you?

After the judging, all artists who have been selected for the exhibition will be contacted by letter, and details of arrangements for sending original works to the organisers will be sent out at the same time. If you are unable to arrange delivery yourself, we may be able to help by putting you in touch with a reasonably priced courier service.

I don’t live in sheltered housing; can I still enter the EAC Art Awards competition?

Definitely. The competition is open to any amateur artist over 60 years. We had a small number of entries from abroad last year for the first time. There will be prizes in a variety of different categories; one of the prizes has always been reserved for the best entry from an artist living in sheltered/retirement housing. This is awarded in memory of the founder of EAC.

Where does the entry money go?

This helps towards (but does not cover) our organisational and administrative costs. We have held our prices at the same level now for 3 years. Many of the prizes come from Art Awards sponsors and the EAC Art Awards are non-profit making.

I work with mosaic/ decoupage/ (any other medium). Can I enter my work in the EAC Art Awards?

Yes, you can. As long as your work is to your own individual design, and not made from a kit, we will welcome your entry. The EAC Art Awards seek to be inclusive and to celebrate creativity and talent in later life in whatever artistic form.

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

Yes, certainly you can. Last year ‘Heritage Plus Portslade’ reached the finals with ‘Tea and Memories’, made by a group of 80+ year-olds.(see image 85 in the Galleries pages)