The shortlist has been announced for the National Campaign for the Arts' (NCA) Hearts For The Arts Awards 2021. The awards celebrate the unsung heroes of Local Authorities who are championing the arts against all odds.
Redcar and Cleveland's Councillor Karen King has been nominated for Best Arts Champion – Councillor for her work in advocating for arts and culture for everyone.
This year's Hearts for the Arts Award winners will be selected from the shortlist by a judging panel of key arts industry experts and practitioners, including:
- Le Gateau Chocolat, Drag artiste and cabaret performer
- Paul Hartnoll, musician, composer, founder member of Orbital
- Adrian Lester CBE, actor and director
- Petra Roberts, Cultural Development Manager, Hackney Council (2020 winners for the Windrush Generations Festival)
- Samuel West, actor, director, Chair of the National Campaign for the Arts
Despite the incredible hardships faced by Local Authorities in 2020, this year's awards have seen the NCA receive a record-breaking number of nominations, as local communities turned to the arts for solace, strength and connectivity during the pandemic.
Nominations were received from across the UK for each of the three award categories: Best Arts Project; Best Arts Champion - Local Authority or Cultural Trust Worker; and Best Arts Champion – Councillor.
The shortlist was judged by representatives from some of this year's partners in the awards: Culture Counts; Wales Council for Voluntary Action; Local Government Association; National Campaign for the Arts; and Voluntary Arts Wales.
Discussing Cllr King's nomination, Hearts for the Arts Award partners said:
“It's clear that Councillor King has made an enormous difference in terms of convincing others in the Local Authority of the power and impact of the arts, and it is lovely to know that she cites her own journey to becoming an arts lover in that argument. She has successfully made the case for the arts to feature in the objectives of other council departments, and has secured a seat around the table for local arts leaders. Councillor King is committed to the belief that the arts can benefit her community; she offers strategic support to arts organisations, and has overseen exciting, non-digital projects during Covid lockdowns, which bring the arts to a more diverse audience."
In response to being shortlisted, Councillor King said: “I am shocked, stunned and, of course absolutely delighted to have been nominated for the Best Arts Champion Councillor.
“I'm extremely passionate about the benefits arts and culture can bring to people's physical and mental wellbeing, and I am a strong advocate for making sure the arts are accessible to people of all ages and from all walks of life. It has been a very difficult year for many people and never has it been so evident how much joy the arts can bring to people's lives.
“I hope this nomination highlights the incredible work being carried out in Redcar and Cleveland to promote a wide-range of events and exhibitions, from councillors, Council officers, external organisations and event organisers. Our annual, award-winning Festival of Thrift is just one example of our commitment to strong partnership working to give the very best to our residents and visitors from far and wide.
“Our commitment to arts and culture is as strong as ever and we will continue to look for opportunities to bring more to Redcar and Cleveland, despite what the world has thrown at us recently. I look forward to a time in the future when we can all gather once more and enjoy the arts together, side by side."
The winners of the Hearts for the Arts Awards 2021 will be announced on Valentine's Day, 14th February.
The National Campaign for the Arts present the Hearts for the Arts Awards each year. The awards are delivered by the NCA, in partnership with Culture Counts; the Local Government Association; Thrive; UK Theatre; Voluntary Arts Wales, Wales Council for Voluntary Action.
For more information on the shortlisted nominees visit forthearts.org.uk/campaigns/hearts-for-the-arts/