Winner announced for World Autism Acceptance Month art competition
The winners of the North East Autism Society’s inaugural World Autism Acceptance Month art competition have been announced.
The 20 North East sites going gold for World Autism Acceptance Day
Landmarks across the region are set to light up the skies in support of Autism Acceptance this April.
More sites than ever before will take part in this year’s display, organised by the North East Autism Society (NEAS), with 20 sites from Tees to Tyne set to light up gold for Autism Acceptance Day on 2nd April.
The day comes at the start of the charity’s Autism Acceptance Month celebration, which runs throughout April and promotes greater understanding and acceptance of autistic people throughout society.
John Phillipson, CEO at NEAS, said:
“There has been an amazing response this year from local authorities and organisations across the region, and we’re thrilled to see more of our region’s iconic landmarks lighting up to support autism acceptance.”
Lumley Castle, South Shields Town Hall, and Trinity Square are among the new sites joining this years’ display, alongside iconic landmarks like the Millennium Bridge and Penshaw Monument.
The full list of sites set to light up are:
- Stockton-on-Tees riverside lighting
- Tees Newport Bridge
- Stockton-on-Tees Town Centre
- Stockton High Street fountain
- Darlington Clock Tower
- Lumley Castle
- Northern Spire Bridge
- Penshaw Monument
- Keel Square
- Sunderland Market Square
- Seaburn Lighthouse
- Fulwell Mill
- Hylton Castle
- South Shields Town Hall
- Gateshead Trinity Square
- Gateshead Millennium Bridge
- Newcastle Civic Centre
- Tyne Bridge
- St Mary’s Lighthouse
- Block A, Killingworth
Sites in the Sunderland area, as well as Lumley Castle, will stay illuminated nightly throughout the week, from 30th March to 5th April.
As well as lighting up the skies, NEAS is asking people to let their creativity shine this April, launching its ‘Acceptance Project’ ahead of Autism Acceptance Month.
The project asks people to share what acceptance means to them, through any creative means they choose, and is open to all ages and skill levels.
John added: “We’ve seen some brilliant, creative entries to the Acceptance Project so far, and we’re looking forward to sharing and showcasing the art we’ve received.
“If you’re inspired to share your message of acceptance, whether you draw, paint, or anything else, we’ll be honoured to share your art as part of an online exhibit at the end of the month.”
The charity is also holding its annual Walk for Acceptance as part of its Autism Acceptance Month celebrations, coming to Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Park on Friday, 17th April.
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