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Final call for artists to get creative for Sue Ryder Care's Art Liberating Lives

23 September 2008

With just under a month to go until registration closes, on 20 October, people are being urged to get their artistic juices flowing to the theme of Liberation to support Sue Ryder Care’s Art Liberating Lives event.  And, to help people create their very own masterpiece, Sue Ryder Care is offering 25% discount off art supplies in its 370 shops.  Now in its fourth year, Art Liberating Lives reflects the importance of art as therapy in Sue Ryder Care’s six hospices and eight neurological care centres. 

Whether your art is amateur or professional, residents and patients at the charity’s care centres, as well as members of the public, are being encouraged to create pieces of artwork in all manner of mediums for display at an exclusive exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London in December.  Newly added to the 2008 event is a Young Artist category for anyone who is in full time education, and Sue Ryder Care is delighted that Findel Education has provided a prize for the winner of this category - £1,000 to spend on art supplies.  And, to ensure that the 2008 event is bigger and better than ever, Sue Ryder Care is working in partnership with the Society for All Artists. 

Victoria Glover, Head of Events at Sue Ryder Care, said, “Last year we had a wonderful array of artwork including paintings, drawings, collages and sculptures, and we are hoping that many more people will take part this year to express what they feel Liberation stands for in their life.  We’re delighted to be working with the Society for All Artists this year.  Our mutual vision to raise awareness of the importance of art as a form of therapy, expression and liberation, makes the Society the ideal organisation to partner with for our Art Liberating Lives event, and with the Society’s connections we hope to encourage more artists to create and donate artwork for our exhibition in London which we can sell to raise vital funds for the charity.”             
Victoria added, “Art really does liberate lives at Sue Ryder Care, which offers residential, respite and day care, as well as community-based services for people living with conditions including Huntington’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and cancer, and is a powerful way for people to express themselves in a way which their condition may otherwise make difficult.  The benefits of art therapy include increased interaction and conversation between residents and better mobility and co-ordination.
“This year our aim is to raise over £50,000 so that we can continue to provide support to people who need our care, where they need it, so please help us help more by taking part.”
 To submit your entry to be considered for inclusion within the exhibition at the Mall Galleries, visit www.suerydercare.org.  It costs £12.50 to enter and if your piece is selected as one of the 350 to be exhibited, and it is sold during the exhibition, then 45% (including VAT & commission) of the sale will go towards Sue Ryder Care’s vital work, and 55% will go to you, the artist.  Registration closes 20 October. 
And, to help people get started on creating a masterpiece, Sue Ryder Care is offering 25% discount of art supplies sold in its shops.  To register for a discount voucher, simply visit www.suerydercare.org.

It is hoped that all of the works on exhibit at the Mall Galleries will be snapped up by art lovers, and the money raised for Sue Ryder Care will help to ensure that people who are not going to get better can still enjoy the best quality of life for as long as they live.  We believe that everyone who needs our expert care should be able to receive it and live their lives with dignity, independence and free from pain.  We need to raise £13 million in voluntary income each year to continue to provide care that liberates lives at 14 care centres nationwide.  

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