Art, Writing Contests for the Blind

Outlets for Expression Abound for Blind and Low-Vision Students

Mar 25, 2009

The National Federation of the Blind and the American Printing House for the Blind offer a number of competitive opportunities for aspiring blind artists and writers.

The bicentennial of Louis Braille, observed around the world this past January 2009, sparked a surge in braille literacy initiatives, and the growing discipline of art accessibility has created opportunities for expression for blind and visually impaired students and adults.

2009 Competitions, Exhibitions for Blind Artists and Writers

Blind and visually impaired artists of all ages may submit artwork for APH InSights 2009, the 18th annual international art competition sponsored by the American Printing House for the Blind. Juried pieces are exhibited during APH’s annual meeting at its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. Students may enter original art in any medium; including (e.g. painting, drawing, printmaking, fiber, metal, wood) till April 1. The deadline for adults is April 15. Contact Roberta Williams (800.223.1839, ext. 357) for more information.

Artists from all over New England have been invited to participate in Art Beyond Sight, a juried exhibit of multi-sensory art presented by the New Hampshire Art Association and New Hampshire Association for the Blind. A public reception takes place April 3 at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and the exhibit runs throughout April. Call Judy Brenner (603.522.3704) for information.

National Exhibits by Blind Artists, Inc. (NEBA) is a Philadelphia nonprofit that showcases the work of legally blind artists in juried shows (19 to date) in prominent museums and galleries in the United States and abroad, including the Megura Museum of Art in Tokyo. NEBA’s two primary objectives have been to promote the quality of work by the visually impaired, and to create demand to mainstream blind artists and further their careers. Call 800.222.1754 for information.

Onkyo Braille Literacy Essay Contest

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) will administer the Onkyo Braille Literacy Essay Contest in the United States on behalf of the North America/Caribbean Region of the World Blind Union. The contest was created to promote braille literacy and to encourage the exchange of social and cultural information. Blind people in the United States and Canada may apply. Essays must be written in braille and pertain either to the way one gains knowledge or independence through braille or to world peace from the perspective of a disabled person. The contest has two age categories: 25 and younger and those over 25 and will award four cash prizes. The deadline is April 30, 2009. Contact Trisha Tatam (410.659.9314, ext 2510) for an application package.

NFB Writers Division Contests for Adults

The deadline for the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Writers Division adult short story (up to 3,000 words) and poetry contests is April 1, 2009. Top prize in each contest is $100, second prize is $50, and third prize is $25. Winners will be announced at NFB’s national convention in Detroit in July. All work must be original and unpublished. Send cover sheet listing all entry titles, name, address, phone, and email. All documents must be double-spaced and cannot be handwritten.

Further details about these and other contests are available online from organizations such as APH, NFB, the American Foundation for the Blind, and Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.

The copyright of the article Art, Writing Contests for the Blind in Accessible Recreation is owned by Andrew Leibs. Permission to republish Art, Writing Contests for the Blind in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.