“By simply appealing to memory
the visually impaired is able
to draw the invisible object of his passion
and regain his place in society.”
“Charles Emmanuel SCHELFHOUT”
The Art and Visually Impaired Association was founded in 2014 by Charles Emmanuel Schelfhout, an artist who himself became visually impaired. In 2023, His Majesty King Philippe granted him the title of Baron for his commitment to visually impaired artists.
Our mission is to encourage visually impaired people by giving them the opportunity to participate in the International Drawing, Painting and Sculpture Competition and to present their work in public exhibitions. Each year a distinguished jury, chaired by Professor Bart Leroy of Ghent University, selects the winners based on the following criteria:
Harmony and artistic sensitivity,
Originality of the message,
Quality and complexity of execution.
Finally, the Audience Award, given on line or in person during the exhibitions, will be presented to the most popular work.
2026
Registration for the annual International Drawing, Painting and Sculpture Competition for the Visually Impaired is open until Oct. 1, 2026.
Exhibition of participating works and award ceremony: Nov. 26 during the OB26 congress at the Square in Brussels.
Audience Award: Support visually impaired artists by participating online from Oct. 25 to Dec. 15, 2026.
Join us and help people whose visibility is obstructed by fog.
Dendermondesteenweg 519/201, 9070 Destelbergen, Belgium
Avenue Reine Astrid 29/8, 4900 Spa Belgique
Bank account: IBAN: BE95 0004 2639 8458 BIC: BPOTBEB1