ART AWARDS EXHIBITONS

In 2005, Art Awards moved to its new home at the Mall Galleries. This marked a big change from earlier years when it had been part of the much bigger annual exhibition run by Artists & Illustrators magazine. Since 1992 we had been with them at the Central Hall Westminster, the Business Design Centre in Islington and at Olympia. But now, for the first time, Art Awards had its own prestige venue, and its own audience. After a fairly slow start in 2005, it was exciting to see the Mall Gallery filled to capacity for last year's opening night, and attracting a stream of visitors throughout its five days.

The Art Awards 2006 exhibition opened to glorious early summer weather, which continued throughout the week. On the first day, all finalists were invited to a private view and prize-giving evening. Most were able to get along, most with friends, family, neighbours and other supporters. By the time the judges' decisions were due to be anounced, around 350 people filled the Gallery in celebratory mood. The formalities became a little tricky to manage, and at one stage the wine ran out. But our photos give some idea of the happy mood, and more of the event is captured in the short film you can watch in the 'Videos' section of this site.

The Art Awards 2007 exhibition repeated the format of the previous year and was equally successful.

This year the 2008 exhibition will be held at the Bankside Gallery, 48 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH from 3rd - 7th September.

Watch our two videos of EAC Over 60s Art Awards for a flavour of what the competition and exhibition mean to the competitors.