Why EAC Runs the Art Awards

The EAC Over 60s Art Awards were founded by volunteers almost 17 years ago, with the aim of celebrating the creativity of older amateur artists. They are not about winning and losing. Though artists like to have their work exhibited in a London gallery, or receive a prize, all the feedback suggests that that really doesn’t matter. The real joy of the Awards is the unique opportunity they create for older people to demonstrate their continuing capacity to be purposeful and involved, and to enjoy the collaborative venture of entering a national competition.

Now in its 25th year, EAC has been in the forefront of a drive to place older people’s issues on the national agenda, and to re-shape society’s attitudes to older age and older people. In 2001, the over-60s outnumbered the under-18s for the first time in our history, and the stereotypical images of older people are being replaced by far more positive, proactive ones. The Art Awards have a contribution to make here, demonstrating that talent, energy and enthusiasm, along with a continuing purpose in life, belong to those in later life as much as to the young.