50 OVER 50

Exhibition of work selected for the first national visual art prize for older artists From Belfast to Billericay, from St Austell to Stirling, artists from across the UK took up the challenge of the first national open art exhibition for artists over 50.  50 over 50:the Celebrating Age Open Art Prize in association with the University of Brighton and Brighton and Hove Arts Commission was launched in February to celebrate the best contemporary visual art by older British artists.

PDF of the press release

Over 1800 entries were received, representing artforms including painting, sculpture, print-making, time based media, installation art and digital art.  After much deliberation, judges selected 50 exceptional art works, made since January 2004, which will be on display at the University of Brighton Gallery from 22 July to 31 August 2006.

One overall winner will be presented with a cheque for £5,000 by Sir Christopher Frayling, Chairman of Arts Council England on Saturday 22 July at the opening party.

The judges are: Caroline Collier, Head of National Initiatives at the Tate; Raimi Gbadamosi, internationally acclaimed artist and curator; Roger Malbert, Senior Curator at the Hayward Gallery; Norbert Lynton, acclaimed academic and author; and Cyril Mount, a practicing artist for over 50 years, whose paintings of political and social commentary are exhibited internationally.

50 over 50 has pioneered electronic submission of entries via www.50over50.org.uk and CD, proving by the sheer number of entries received, that older people are no strangers to change and new technology.

50 over 50 will be a professionally curated, stunning exhibition of new and recent works by some of the most talented and experienced artists in the UK. This landmark show will emphasise excellence and innovation in the practice of older artists as it reveals and celebrates the contribution older people make to contemporary culture.

50 over 50 is backed by a range of partners including: Age Concern, Help the Aged, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Better Government for Older People (BGOP), Anchor Trust, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Brighton & Hove Arts Commission. Artists’ work will be exhibited as part of the Celebrating Age festival and international conference, which brings together key decision-makers to explode negative images of ageing and to celebrate the many ways in which older people contribute to society.  Celebrating Age takes place in the city during July 2006.

50 over 50:the Celebrating Age Open Art Prize in association with the University of Brighton and Brighton and Hove Arts Commission will be on show at the University of Brighton Gallery, Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY from 2.30pm on 22 July to 31 August 2006.          

Admission is free. The gallery has full access for wheelchair users.

Some of the exhibited works will be available to purchase.

Celebrating Age is a major event taking place in Brighton & Hove throughout July 2006 and incorporating a national conference, an information exhibition and a cross art-form cultural festival. Celebrating Age is a collaboration between Brighton & Hove City Council and Better Government for Older People (BGOP) with the support of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Age Concern England, Help the Aged, Anchor Trust, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Brighton & Hove City Primary Care Trust. 

Celebrating Age is supported by the Brighton & Hove Arts Commission’s making a difference initiative funded with lottery money from the Millennium Commission and Arts Council England through the Urban Cultural Programme. For more information please go to:

www.brightonandhoveartscommission.org.uk/celebratingage 

or call 01273 292008                                         Exhibition catalogue available