IHC Telecom ART Awards 2008

Intense, uplifting, dark, friendly and thoughtful - that's how the judges of the IHC Telecom Art Awards 2008 described the 650 works they judged in three regional exhibitions.

The IHC Telecom Art Awards were established in 2004 to encourage the creativity of New Zealanders with an intellectual disability. They are open to all New Zealanders with an intellectual disability.

The top 30 artworks are exhibited at TheNewDowse. They were judged by David Elliot, illustrator and author, Gavin Bishop, illustrator and author, and Claire Regnault concept development manager at TheNewDowse. From the 30 artworks, four national winners were chosen.

Each year, as the standard of entries increases, it becomes clear that the IHC Telecom Art Awards provide an opportunity for people with an intellectual disability to express themselves and communicate their experiences in extraordinary and inspirational ways.

"The variety stands out for me. There are so many personalities, materials and colours," says judge David Elliot.