National art competition calls for entries from amateur artists over 60:

Now in it's 17th year, the EAC Over 60's Art Awards were created to encourage and celebrate the artistic talents of older people.

Now in its 17th year, the EAC Over 60’s Art Awards were created to encourage and celebrate the artistic talents of older people. All amateur artists over the age of 60 are invited to enter works for this prestigious international competition, which, this year, offers selected artists the chance to exhibit at The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists' RBSA Gallery, Birmingham.

The judges for the 2010-11 Awards include: Sally Bulgin, Editor, The Artist Magazine; Tom Coates RBSA, Artist and Diana Moran, 'The Green Goddess', Broadcaster, Author and keen amateur artist.

This exhibition creates a wealth of interesting stories and touches the hearts of all who participate. Art Awards is not about winning and losing, the real joy is the unique opportunity it creates for older people to demonstrate their continuing capacity to be creative and involved, and to enjoy the purposeful experience of entering a national competition.

'Art in any form is a wonderful thing to take up at any point in your life, but the real benefit of exploring artistic pursuits later in life, or in your retirement, is that you have more time to enjoy it. This competition demonstrates that people over the age of 60 have just as much to offer as younger artists.'

Diana Moran

Entries can be in any medium – oils, pastels, watercolours, pencil, collage, needlework – as well as 3D work and photography. Approximately 100 finalists’ works will be selected for exhibition at The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists'

RBSA Gallery, Birmingham B3 1SA from 10 - 21 May 2011. Prizes totalling �3000 will be awarded at a private awards ceremony.

EAC were delighted to see that almost 30% of entries were submitted online last year. It strongly supports older people using the Internet and is currently working with Get Digital to promote digital inclusion among residents of sheltered housing.

EAC is encouraging even more applicants to enter online this year.

Closing date for entries: 4th March 2011

For information regarding EAC Over 60s Art Awards 2010-11 and how to enter, visit: www.eacartawards.org.uk

For enquiries and to request entry forms:

Tel: 01704 893251 or 01242 527434 Email: artawardsenquiries@eac.org.uk