The competition, Create! Art for Autism, was open to all young people aged 11-25 years formally diagnosed with an ASD. It seeks to dispel the myth that they cannot be creative and shows that art can significantly improve the lives of those with an ASD.
More than 350 entries were received from 52 different schools from all over the UK, and as far away as India and Croatia.
The competition is particularly significant following recent research highlighting a strong link between artistic creativity and people with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome and highlights their extraordinary abilities.
The judges have chosen six finalists in each category of 2D art, 3D art and Digital Media art, who have been invited with their guests to attend an awards ceremony at Beechwood College on July 24th, alongside key media and specialists in the field. The awards ceremony will celebrate the creativity of all contestants, before announcing the three final winners.
The competition’s judging panel includes: Brendan Stuart Burns, twice winner of the National Eisteddfod Gold Medal in Fine Art and lecturer at The University of Glamorgan; Lucinda Bredin, Editor at Bonhams Magazine; Hugh Morgan OBE, Chief Executive of Autism Cymru; and Darren Jackson, Principal of Beechwood College.
In order to recognise the tremendous work that schools undertake, both the winning individuals and the school supporting the young person will receive prizes. In addition, a ‘Teacher’s Choice’ award will enable teachers across the UK to choose which of the finalists they consider to have produced the most creative work.
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The finalists’ work will be rolled out into a national art tour open to the general public and hosted in prestigious galleries, first at The Old Library in Cardiff and later in London in September.
Darren Jackson, Principal of Beechwood College, said: “We have seen how engaging in art and creativity programmes can transform the lives of young people who previously struggled to make themselves heard. This competition has shown us there is a huge amount of creative talent among young people with an ASD and I would like to congratulate the 18 finalists and all of the entrants on their fantastic artwork.”
Based just outside Cardiff, Beechwood College prides itself on delivering 24-hour personalised Further Education programmes to each of its students and creativity is a key component of the curriculum. Beechwood College is a centre of excellence and an example of how services should be provided to young people with an autistic spectrum condition, to meet their unique needs.
www.createartforautism.co.uk
