• Music
  • Literature
  • Film and Multimedia
  • Sport
  • Heritage
  • Visual Arts
  • Performing Arts
  • Culture Live... What's On
  • Places
Sign up to our eNewsletter
eNewsletter archive
 
CNI Competitions

Alternative Academy Artist Pledges Profits To Charity
17 September 2009 16:33:42
Alternative Academy Artist Pledges Profits To Charity
 
Upcoming artist David McDowell has announced plans to donate part of his latest exhibition profits to Diabetes UK, as he looks forward to debuting at Belfast's annual Alternative Academy from September 24-28.
 
The 23-year-old Limavady artist, whose entry for the prestigious Alternative Academy was accepted last week says: 'If my latest art work sells at the Academy, I'll donate £100 of the profits to Diabetes UK.'
 
Jennifer McGivern, national fundraising manager for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, is thrilled with the news.
 
'There are currently 62,000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland and a further 12,500 who have the condition but do not yet know it,' commented McGivern. 'Diabetes is a life-long, serious condition and we are delighted to have such a high-profile artist offering his support and raising awareness for the charity. The money raised will go towards funding research into diabetes, campaigning for better services and offering support, information and advice to those living with diabetes in Northern Ireland.'
 
McDowell took a personal interest in the condition when family members were diagnosed 14 years ago. 'My sister and grandmother both have diabetes, so I understand the seriousness of the condition. Hopefully using the Alternative Academy as a platform, I can help raise funds and awareness for the charity.'
 
The 5-day show providing a stage for both emerging and established artists is expected to attract art enthusiasts from all over Ireland. 'This year's show is predicted to be quite a spectacle and we don't like to disappoint,' remarked Academy director, Mo McDevitt.
 
McDowell, a University of Ulster Fine Art graduate, sparked controversy on the Irish art scene back in April by initiating the ‘Against the Grain' clique, a group of Irish Realist Artists who countered critics' claims that Realism is obsolete. Currently represented by Canvas Galleries, Belfast, he has just confirmed a string of exhibitions across Belfast, Houston and Madrid over the next few months.
 
The Alternative Academy ‘09 will be hosted by Studio 23, Derriaghy Ind Estate, Dunmurry, Belfast. The show will open on September 24 at 7:30pm and will run thereafter until September 28. Admission is free. For further information, log on to www.davidmcdowell.co.uk.


0 COMMENTS


Enter your comments below. You comments will be reviewed before they appear on the site.

Name:  


Email Address:


Comment:  


Confirmation code:






Time Period:

Select specific dates