A grand prize-giving ceremony and auction of the artwork from the “Student Prize Algarve 2018” takes place on April 28 at the Lady in Red Galeria de Arte in Lagoa from 2pm.
Organised by Sovereign–Consultoria Lda on behalf of the Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF), the competition aims to promote art in schools, to inspire and reward young artists in the community and to encourage cultural development whilst raising funds for charity.
The SAF, a non-profit organisation and registered charity, was established in 2003, initially in Asia, to recognise the growing wealth of contemporary art talent and bring the proven benefits of expressive arts to underprivileged children. The Foundation has so far raised more than US$6 million for artists and charities worldwide.
The Sovereign art prizes raise funds by auctioning artworks from the competitions held in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe, with the proceeds being shared equally between the artists and the foundation which then uses the funds to work with disadvantaged children using art as a means of education, rehabilitation and therapy.
The first and second prizes are selected by the judges and the third prize will be awarded to the artwork which has received the most votes from the public, both online and directly during the exhibitions. Prizes totaling €4,550 will be awarded to the artists and their schools.
Following the prize awards, all the artworks will be auctioned to the public with the proceeds being divided between the artists and Silves Rotary Club, which will use the funds as part of their “School Art Projects – Art and Poetry” workshops organised by local artists David Trubshaw and Gudrun Bartels.
Together they run workshops for children and students of all ages in the Algarve and a book has been produced to showcase the children’s work as well as the 20 finalists from the Student Prize.
Books can be obtained at the Lady in Red gallery or from the Silves Rotary Club and proceeds will be going towards the construction of a sensory room being built at Casa do Povo in Messines. Sovereign is pleased to be adding the funds raised from the auction to support this cause.
The Casa do Povo has been providing for the community since 1934 and aims to meet the educational, social, sporting, cultural and leisure needs of the local population. They provide nursery schooling, organise community parties, theatre, music and sport workshops, after-school art activities, holiday camps, provide bureaucratic assistance, a social canteen and activities for the elderly.
The final 2018 exhibition can be seen until April 28 at Lady in Red. If you would like to attend the auction to bid for one of the artworks or acquire one of the books to help raise funds, contact Isobel Costa on 282 340 480 or email icosta@sovereigngroup.com
Photo: New participant Lucas with “Mother”
