With only just over five weeks to go to this year's closing date for entries - 26th October - things are hotting up on the Art Awards front. Yesterday, 15th September was the busiest day yet on the new website, with the average viewer spending nearly 7 minutes looking at over 20 different web pages. This is very encouraging news, when you think that they've been run by stamp, envelope and postal service for 14 years, until the start of July 2009!

For those of you who don't yet know, October 1st has been designated UK Older People's Day 2009, and details of events being run throughout the country can be found at http://fulloflife.direct.gov.uk/index.html. The day, and in some cases, week, or month-long festival of activities are 'a celebration of the opportunities, achievements and aspirations of older people and their contribution to our society and economy.' There are lots of really creative ideas around, but so far the Age Concern North Tyneside project must take pride of place. (email me if you know of something to beat this!)

As part of their 'Age Takes Centre Stage Festival', they are looking for 50 artists (aged over 50) to take away a blank 2ft square canvas each, and return it one month later, as an artwork in any medium whatsoever, expressing what is enjoyable about being over 50. Collaborative group entries are welcomed, as are beginners, amateurs and professionals. The organiser, Lesley Turner (email:lesley.turner@ageconcernnorthtyne.org for more info) is particularly enthusiastic about linking in with EAC's Over 60s Art Awards, and will request that interested amateur artists over 60 deliver their finished artwork to her by the 20th October, and she will support its entry into the 2009 competition!

Anyone visiting the Manchester Town Hall event on 1st October...look out for the EAC Art Awards stand and come and say hello and collect free bookmarks.