Epic Awards Open
Awards for amateur cultural excellence
The Epic Awards, which recognise and reward excellence and innovation in the amateur cultural sector across the UK, are open for nominations for their 2017 edition.
With over 65,000 voluntary arts groups eligible to enter – including amateur theatre companies – a winner and runner-up is chosen from each of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland and England, as well as a special ‘People’s Choice Award’ voted for by the public.
Epic Awards 2016 Scotland winners – alter:nativity. Photo: Voluntary Arts
This year’s Scottish winner was alter:nativity an Aberdeenshire drama group that staged an outdoor nativity show based on the Syrian refugee crisis, using almost 100 members of their local community.
Groups can nominate themselves with the closing date set at January 12, 2017. The judges are looking for creative groups that are “doing something exciting and interesting”, according to organisers Voluntary Arts, the development agency for creative cultural participation, which works across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Groups can win a range of prizes – from financial support to advice, partnership and performance opportunities. In addition, shortlisted groups have found that it led to new partnerships and collaborations, extra coverage in local and national media, and increased acknowledgement from politicians and funders.
Diverse
Launching this year’s awards, Robin Simpson, CEO of Voluntary Arts, said “The incredible range of diverse projects we discover each year through the Epic Awards is truly inspiring. We’ve been consistently amazed by the imaginative, adventurous and ambitious creative activity that is taking place in every community across the UK and Ireland.
“Groups of all sizes, working in all sorts of areas have been shortlisted in the past so the opportunity is there for any creative group that feels they fit the bill. We’re looking forward to seeing what projects wow our judging panels this year.”
More information about the Epic Awards, and previous winners can be found at http://www.voluntaryarts.org/epicawards/
Epic Awards Facebook page: epicawards
Epic Awards on Twitter @EpicAwards
https://youtu.be/Ncad5dgSv2U
ENDS
