Flourishing Culture Awards: Make a nomination

The team behind northern Devon's Flourishing Culture initiative is inviting the community to nominate individuals, groups, or organisations who have influenced them through their cultural contributions. Whether through art, music, performance, literature, heritage, sport or any other form of cultural expression, the awards will embrace all aspects of community culture.

The Flourishing Culture strategy was adopted and launched by North Devon and Torridge District Councils in October 2022. It aims to improve people's access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations. The strategy sets out the value that culture brings to northern Devon, the aspiration for what it could be, and some suggested actions for raising the ambition, sustainability and impact of culture in all its forms across the region.

The Flourishing Culture Awards will celebrate people, groups, and organisations who have made a significant impact on the cultural life of our communities in North Devon and Torridge. Culture means many things to many people, and these awards will recognise the diverse and vibrant ways in which cultural activities enrich our lives.

Cultural Partnership Board representative for North Devon Council, Councillor Mark Haworth-Booth said: "This is your chance to recognise and show appreciation for the cultural trailblazers in your area, the ones who have inspired, connected, and enriched the lives of others. Let's celebrate the people and organisations that make our cultural landscape thrive!

"You can make multiple nominations in any category and nominate yourself or your organisation. You just need to complete an online form to make your voice heard."

Cultural Partnership Board representative for Torridge District Council, Councillor Cottle-Hunkin said: "This is an amazing opportunity to shine a light and celebrate those individuals and groups who make such a great contribution to the wealth of community culture that we enjoy across Torridge and North Devon.  We are so lucky to have a vibrant and ever-evolving cultural scene, from quaint galleries showcasing the works of local talents, to lively cultural festivals that bring our communities together. We hope that these awards will not only celebrate those who already make a valuable contribution, but also inspire others to get involved in the future too! Time to get nominating!"

Anyone who lives or works in North Devon and Torridge, whether they are from towns, villages or remote hamlets, can make a nomination. It's not about choosing the most successful, but about highlighting those who have made a positive impact on residents and their community through cultural activity.

The categories to be voted on are:

• Arts in Education
• Crafts
• Digital, Film and Moving Image
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Heritage
• Innovation
• Literature
• Performing Arts
• Rural Community Engagement
• Sport
• Visual Arts
• Special Award

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to an awards event in Barnstaple in March, where the winners for each category will be announced and presented with their award.

Enquiries and questions can be directed to culture@northdevon.ac.uk (North Devon Council residents) or Claire.Gulliver@torridge.gov.uk (Torridge District Council residents). Online nominations should be made through North Devon Council's website  (click 'continue without an account' to make a nomination without signing up). Nominations are open until Monday 3 February.

Jan 25