Nominations are now open for the North East Culture Awards, the once-a-year chance to reward those creative people who enhance North East life with words, music, colour and spectacle.
For the second year running, the awards ceremony – with entertainment and razzmatazz - will take place on Thursday September 8, amid the grand and inspiring surroundings of Durham Cathedral.
And once again the headline sponsor is Durham County Council whose spirited bid to land UK City of Culture 2025 (the first county contender) reached the shortlist.
Bradford won, as everyone now knows, but while all associated with the County Durham bid were magnanimous in defeat, they were also determined to press ahead with ambitious plans.
County Council leader Amanda Hopgood said: “We know the transformational impact a vibrant cultural offer has on residents.
“Not only does it bring people together and energise our communities, but it raises aspirations and attracts people and investment into our towns and villages.
“Working alongside our partners and communities, we will channel the excitement, enthusiasm and innovation that has come to the fore during the Durham 2025 campaign to create a county of culture with a legacy that extends well beyond 2025.”
That message was reinforced this week by Councillor Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, who welcomed the Culture Awards.
Culture, so important to people’s wellbeing, had always been a key focus but had come to the fore due to the bid, she said.
“We may not have secured the title but the excitement and publicity surrounding the campaign have helped to raise the region’s profile as a cultural destination and a creative place.
“We remain committed to enhancing our infrastructure and delivering a programme with international appeal.”
She added: “It’s a privilege to once again sponsor the North East Culture Awards.
“This is a chance for us all to celebrate the contribution cultural organisations, artists and creative practitioners make in our region and to highlight their central place in our local and regional identity.”
Tony Harrington, chair of the Culture Durham partnership, said the bid process was “just the start of our journey”, while Prof Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, pledged commitment “to building on the sound foundations created by the development and submission” of the bid.
There are heartening precedents for this.
Sunderland, after missing out to Coventry for the 2021 title, pressed ahead with cultural initiatives including The Fire Station, the exciting new music venue which opened last year.
Newcastle and Gateshead, joint contenders for the 2008 European Capital of Culture title, lost to Liverpool but almost immediately launched Culture 10, promising a decade of world class cultural activity.
This was delivered with the help of a swathe of new cultural buildings, including BALTIC, Sage Gateshead and Dance City.
The inaugural North East Culture Awards took place at the redeveloped Northern Stage in 2007.
This year cultural activity across the whole region is picking up and consigning to memory – bleak for many and tragic for some – the lockdown months of 2020 and early 2021.
The Culture Awards of 2020 didn’t happen, but last year’s event in the cathedral was a joyous affair with many enjoying their first public gathering for a long time.
At this year’s ceremony in September, hosted once again by actor and director Chris Connel, awards will be presented for things that took place within the qualifying period from the beginning of August 2021 until July 25 2022.
Two new categories have been added this year, for the best arts and education partnership and the best international collaboration.
They acknowledge the importance of creativity in education and of being open to the exchange of ideas between this region and people and places overseas.
Category sponsors for the awards include MIMA, Teesside University, Newcastle University, North East Culture Partnership, The Northern School of Art and University of Sunderland.
To find out more about sponsoring the awards please email tom.austin@reachplc.com
Nominations can be submitted now and until 5pm on Monday, July 25 via the dedicated website, www.necultureawards.com (where you can also buy tickets to attend the event in the cathedral).
The categories are as follows…
Performance of the Year - sponsored by North East Culture Partnership
For an individual, group or company who put on a special performance in the North East (live or virtual) which moved or inspired. Examples include dance, music, theatre and comedy.
Visual Artist of the Year - sponsored by MIMA and Teesside University
Recognising a North East-based artist whose work, whether an individual piece or an exhibition, has left a lasting impression.
Best Event or Exhibition
Awarded to an inspiring event or exhibition that took place in the North East during the stipulated time period.
Performing Artist of the Year - sponsored by University of Sunderland
Recognising an individual performer or group that has stood out, whether in dance, music, theatre, poetry, comedy or something else. It could be for one performance or several, live or virtual.
Newcomer of the Year - sponsored by The Northern School of Art
Recognising any North East-based writer, artist, performer or other who burst onto the scene and caught the public’s attention.
Writer of the Year
Recognising an author, playwright, poet or screenwriter who has had an outstanding work published or performed (live, on air or on screen) during the relevant period.
Best Arts & Business Partnership
Recognising an outstanding partnership which has demonstrated an innovative way of working to achieve the partners’ respective goals.
Best Museum or Cultural Venue
To recognise a North East museum or cultural venue that has made a special contribution to the community through innovative projects and service excellence.
Special Award for Young Achievement
To reward a special achievement in the arts by an individual or group aged 18 or under during the requisite period.
Best Arts & Education Partnership
Recognising an outstanding partnership which has demonstrated how working together can unite and improve cultural education for children and young people in our region.
Best International Collaboration - sponsored by Newcastle University
For an artist, group or company from any artform or heritage background that has developed a great international project. It could be an international tour into the North East or from the region to an overseas destination.
Special Contribution to Arts and Culture in the North East - sponsored by Durham County Council
To be awarded to someone for long and distinguished service to arts and culture in the region.
