SUE RYDER CARE ANNOUNCE ENTRY CALL FOR ART LIBERATING LIVES 2009 Sue Ryder Care is delighted to announce the entry call for submissions to its nationwide annual art competition is open. Called Art Liberating Lives, the event celebrates the power of art as a form of therapy, expression and liberation and offers artists, of all abilities, the chance to exhibit work at London’s prestigious Mall Galleries. Artists are invited to submit work in all mediums created to the theme ‘liberation’ and selected artworks, chosen by a panel of judges that includes Elizabeth Meek (President of the Royal Miniature Society and a past President of the Society of Women Artists), will be shown in an exclusive December exhibition. Now in its fifth year, Art Liberating Lives includes an Artist in Education category for anyone in full time education with £500 worth of art supplies to be presented to the winner courtesy of the Society for All Artists. 35% (plus VAT) of the sale of each artwork selected to be exhibited will go directly to support Sue Ryder Care with the remaining going to the artist. Artists’ awards and prizes are also available. Money raised from Art Liberating Lives will help Sue Ryder Care continue to deliver quality care for people living with end of life and long-term conditions including; Cancer, Stroke, Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Neurone Disease. Elizabeth Meek, dubbed ‘one of today’s greatest miniaturists and portrait painters’ said: “I’m delighted to be involved in Sue Ryder Care’s Art Liberating Lives and look forward to seeing how the nation interprets the theme, liberation - which I’m sure will resonate with many people as art can be a very cathartic, healing experience. “I’ve seen the event grow and develop since it was launched five years ago to become a really exciting and interesting exhibition to get involved in; whether that is through submitting artwork or visiting the exhibition in December. I’d encourage everybody with an interest in art to pick up a paintbrush, grab your camera or use your artistic talents to create a piece of art to support Sue Ryder Care’s vital work.” Ruth Peters, National Events Manager at Sue Ryder Care, said, “Whether you’re a professional who would like to inspire other artists or an artist who would like to have your work recognised and exhibited at a top London gallery Art Liberating Lives is your opportunity. “Enter now and not only have the chance to showcase your work in one of the UK’s leading and well respected art venues but help raise vital funds for unique charity, Sue Ryder Care.” Ruth added, “Throughout our six hospices and eight neurological care centres we run one to one and group art sessions, which thousands of people in our care get involved in each year. At Sue Ryder Care, art really is a form of liberation allowing people to explore thoughts and feelings that their conditions might otherwise make difficult to convey. “As well as raising money to help our doctors, nurses and care staff continue to provide 4 million hours of care each year, Art Liberating Lives is an important platform for us to showcase the varied, creative and often triumphant works of art created by the people we care for.” To take part, submit a high quality digital photograph (JPEG) of your artwork along with a completed application form online at www.suerydercare.org. Submission costs £12.50 per entry and closing date is 21 October 2009. Paper submission forms are also available, call 0845 050 1953 or email [email protected].