‘Outsider’ Art gaining recognition, in Parlaiment

‘Outsider’ Art finally gaining recognition, in Parliament

The Honourable Judith Tizard recognizes ‘Outsider’ Art with ‘The Big A’ Award in The Grand Hall, Parliament at 6.30pm on 29th March, 2007.

‘Outsider’ Art is art developed by people who are often on the margins of society, who have had no formal training. It is usually considered very expressive, emotionally charged and direct and is increasingly commanding top dollar in established art circles.

‘The Big A’ is an annual award instituted by Arts Access Aotearoa (AAA) to recognize the contribution of Creative Spaces that work with artists often considered ‘outsiders’. Many of the Creative Spaces work with artists with mental health issues.

‘The Big A’ Award this year goes to C S Arts from Invercargill.

“I am delighted that The Honourable Judith Tizard is presenting this prestigious award. Arts Access Aotearoa (AAA) works to promote New Zealand ‘outsider’ artists and their work. There is increasing recognition of this type of work overseas and obviously things are beginning to change at home as well.” says Julie Donvin-Irons, Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa (AAA).

C S Arts aims to encourage participants many of whom have intellectual disabilities to participate in the creative process by giving them ‘a voice’ and another form of communication. Over half of C S Arts participants have sold their works as framed paintings or cards. C S Arts was selected from over sixty Creative Spaces nationally, due to their commitment to high quality work, innovation and their deep belief in the role of art in the lives of people with disabilities.

Other local ‘outsider’ artists who are gaining international recognition are Martin Thompson and Reece Tong whose works are being exhibited in countries like the US and Australia. Arts Access Aotearoa (AAA) is committed to providing momentum to the careers of other such artists across New Zealand by promoting the Creative Spaces that these artists work with.

ENDS

www.artsaccess.org.nz

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