Independent Arts and IWCP Photographic Competition: Information Pack About Independent Arts Established in 1987, Independent Arts is a registered charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living on the Isle of Wight – particularly those with special needs, the disadvantaged and older people by providing access to exciting and stimulating therapeutic arts activities. The charity provides large-scale community arts projects such as SingAbout, free weekly singing clubs for older people, and every week our professional practitioners deliver Workshops for Wellbeing in residential and nursing homes across the Island. These specialist therapeutic sessions include reminiscence, movement, art and craft, literature and music. About The Isle of Wight County Press The County Press is the Island's only weekly newspaper. It is locally owned and has a strong commitment to the community, including the world of arts and entertainment. The paper is proud to be involved with Independent Arts in this, its silver anniversary year. Introduction In 2012, Independent Arts celebrates its 25th Anniversary. As well as hosting a number of events across the Isle of Wight throughout the year, the charity is also looking to raise £25,000 through its Silver Appeal. One strand of the Silver Appeal is a Photographic Competition, being delivered in partnership with the Isle of Wight County Press. The theme for the Photographic Competition is “Reflections”. In 2012, it won’t just be Independent Arts looking back and reflecting on its history – it’s a significant year for many in several aspects. With a variety of milestones being reached including the Centenary of the maiden voyage of the Titanic, Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and London 2012, this year will really resonate for many. Through the shortlisting process, the judges will be looking at all the entries for varied and creative interpretations of the theme. The shortlist of 25 images will then be printed in the Isle of Wight County Press, and readers will vote for their favourite. The 12 most popular entries will then feature in a 2013 calendar which will be sold to raise funds for Independent Arts, with the overall winner’s photograph also featuring on the calendar’s cover. The closing date for entries is Friday 1st June 2012. Please read the rules carefully before entering.

Independent Arts and IWCP Photographic Competition: Rules

1. The theme of the Photographic Competition is “Reflections”. The theme is open to individual interpretation and entrants are encouraged to think creatively about their images.

2. Entrants can submit up to four photos in total, in colour or black and white. Images can only be accepted in electronic format.

3. Images may be digitally enhanced to remove spots or scratches, but not manipulated. Entrants can enhance the picture to make it brighter, clearer etc, but not manipulate the content. The judges reserve the right to exclude any image they believe may have been excessively treated so as to alter its authenticity.

4. Employees of Independent Arts (including freelance practitioners and Trustees) and The Isle of Wight County Press, as well as their immediate families are not eligible to enter. Entrants under the age of 16 years need to have parental or guardian consent to enter.

5. Entrants must not be a professional photographer and, for the purposes of this competition, a professional photographer will be considered to be someone who makes more than half their annual income from the sale of their photographs.

6. Entries should be provided on either a disc or USB stick. Entrants must mark their entry with their name, address and contact telephone number (both daytime and evening).

7. Both Independent Arts and The Isle of Wight County Press will only ever use personal details for the purposes of administering the competition.

8. Entries should be sent to: Caroline Ash, Independent Arts, The Studio, Shide Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1HR.

9. The competition closes at midnight on Friday 1st June 2012. Entries received after this date will not be considered. Independent Arts and The Isle of Wight County Press cannot accept any responsibility for any problem with the postal service which may result in any entry being lost or delayed. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt.

10. Entries will not be returned, so please remember to keep a copy. Unsuccessful entrants will not be contacted and no feedback on any entry will be provided.

11. All photographs will be judged on the following criteria:

• Originality and interpretation of theme

• Composition

• Technical ability

• Commercial appeal

12. The photographs will be judged through the following process: Stage One A judging panel (to be announced) will review all entries and select the best 25 photos. Each of the shortlisted entrants will be contacted following the initial judging stage. If, after reasonable attempts, a shortlisted entrant cannot be contacted, the judges reserve the right to offer the place on the shortlist to the next best entry. Stage Two – The Public Vote All 25 finalists will be featured in The Isle of Wight County Press, and readers will be asked to vote for their favourite. The 12 most popular photos will then feature in a 2013 calendar which will be sold at outlets on the Isle of Wight to raise funds for Independent Arts.

13. In the event of a technical problem or evidence of impropriety with regard to

the readers’ vote, the judges shall have the final decision. If the readers’ vote results in a tie, the judges shall have the casting vote. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence can be entered into.

14. All entries must be the original work of the entrant and must not infringe the rights of any other party. The entrants must be the sole owner of copyright in all photographs entered and must have obtained permission of any people featured in the entries or of their parents’/guardians’ if children under 18 are featured. Further, entrants must not have breached any laws when taking their photographs.

15. Prior to submission, entrants must not have offered any of their entries for sale, been paid for any publication of any of their entries or won or been a runner-up in any other photographic competition with any of their entries.

16. Entrants will retain copyright in the photographs they submit to the competition. By entering the competition, all entrants grant to Independent Arts and the Isle of Wight County Press the right to publish and exhibit their photographs in print, online and at exhibitions. No fees will be payable for any

of the above uses. Entrants whose photographs are featured in the charity calendar, also agree to take part in post-competition publicity.

17. By entering, entrants will be deemed to have agreed to be bound by these rules and Independent Arts and the Isle of Wight County Press reserve the right to exclude any entry from the competition at any time and at its absolute discretion if organisers have reason to believe that the entrant has breached the rules.

18. The organisers reserve the right to cancel this competition or alter any of the rules at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise out of their control.