Community, social and public housing tenants have a new opportunity to showcase their creative talent thanks to an art award launched by the South Australian community housing sector.
The inaugural CHARTS (Community Housing Art) Awards will showcase the creative diversity and talent of tenants across the state, offering $500 cash prizes to winners in four categories and an opportunity to be mentored by an industry professional.
Finalists’ work will be exhibited at The Mill art gallery in 2022, as well as across a range of locations throughout Adelaide.
AnglicareSA Executive General Manager Housing, Michelle Gegenhuber, said the awards provide a wonderful opportunity to people living in AnglicareSA’s more than 2,100 community housing properties.
“Coming from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, a lot of our tenants lack the confidence to be active in the community and connect with others,” she said.
“This new and innovative competition is a great way to shine a light on the hidden talents of people who may have never had these sorts of opportunities to participate.
“We’ve seen firsthand how much tenants enjoy and thrive at arts and crafts through our various social groups. It’s initiatives like this that help tenants feel supported and more connected to their community.”
About the awards
Award entries are open to current tenants residing in community or social housing accommodation – from established and emerging artists, to those who have never picked up a paintbrush, pencil or camera.
The four art categories are:
- Framed/Hanging
- 3D/Sculpture
- Photography, Digital and Graphic
- Poetry and Literature
Entries close on 30 September 2021. The awards night will be held at Adelaide Town Hall on 11 November.
CHARTS is a collaboration between AnglicareSA, Access 2 Place Housing, Community Housing Ltd, Housing Choices South Australia, Junction, and Westside Housing. Award sponsors are Harvey Norman Commercial and Electrolux.
