Sheffield competition call-out to artists with disabilities

An artist taking part in an ArtworksTogether project

ArtWorksTogether is running a new competition that aims to showcase and celebrate the work of artists with learning disabilities across the globe.

The exhibition takes place between March and May.

This year’s event will be taking place virtually to ensure the accessibility of the exhibition to all, given the restrictions of the pandemic.

Shortlisted artists will be announced next month and the works of all successful entrants will be displayed online from March 25.

The exhibition will culminate in a month-long showcase in June, where a virtual display will be projected for viewers to experience it at stately home Wentworth Woodhouse, near Rotherham.

There are also three cash prizes up for grabs, as well as art supplies for six successful competitors chosen by the judges.

During the month, ArtWorksTogether will be hosting a series of talks, ‘meet the artist’ sessions and creative workshops within the building.

The competition will be judged by a panel of internationally-recognised artists and curators including Tony Heaton, James Lingwood and Michael Morris.

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The ArtWorks Together International Disability Arts Competition is open to all artists – including people working as a group - who have any form of learning disability and are over the age of 16, from anywhere in the world.

Entry to the competition is free. All art forms are welcomed and submissions run until February 12.

To enter, head to the competition website, https://www.artworkstogether.co.uk/

A spokesman said: “Our goal has always been to support the creative practice of adults with learning disabilities.

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully in arts and culture.

"We hope to raise the aspirations of artists with learning disabilities that want to work in the arts and cultural sector, and encourage ambition and talent to freely thrive through this opportunity to showcase their artwork through our exhibition.”