Elder abuse is a largely hidden and taboo subject. 97% of Canadians think most of the abuse experienced by older adults goes undetected. If these walls could talk…An Elder Abuse Awareness Art Contest is designed to increase awareness of elder abuse in the broad community. We hope to raise the profile of elder abuse in Calgary; reaching those who are not typically engaged in such conversations, help them understand the scope of the issue and the available resources in the community. Through the medium of art, Calgarians are invited to express their vision of what elder abuse looks, feels like.

Bowmont Seniors Assistance Association and Calgary Family Services invite you to submit an original piece of artwork for the elder abuse awareness art contest: If these walls could talk… A panel of judges will  review the artwork based on the artist’s ability to provide a visual representation of what elder abuse is. A public event will be held in February 2014, where winners will be announced. All artwork will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to victims of elder abuse. Winners will have their work displayed on Bowmont Seniors Assistance Association and Calgary Family Services websites. Monetary prizes of $500 (1st Place), $300 (2nd Place) and $200 (3rd Place) will be awarded.

We, as a community, will benefit from an expanded awareness of a still deeply hidden problem.