Two Knowsley organisations have been revealed as finalists for the prestigious Liverpool City Region (LCR) Culture and Creativity Awards.
Part of the Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Percent for Culture initiative, these awards recognise the value and huge contribution that the cultural and creative sector bring to the Liverpool City Region, reinforcing it as one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, visit, study or do business.
An independent judging panel considered more than 500 nominations, creating a shortlist of 55 finalists across 17 categories that celebrate the individuals and organisations helping drive the city region’s thriving cultural and creative sector.
Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, is a finalist for the People’s Choice Award – Outstanding Contribution to Culture. This award celebrates an outstanding contribution to culture and creativity, which has made a significant difference to the quality of life at either local, borough or City Region level.
The winner of this award is decided by an online public vote, which will open next month (February).
Shakespeare North Playhouse was named Theatre of the Year at the 2023 Culture and Creativity Awards. The award-winning venue, opened in 2022 and has welcomed more than 300,000 visitors – 10% of whom had never visited a theatre before.
Heart of Glass and Knowsley Council are finalists for the Health and Wellbeing Award which celebrates the impact culture and creativity has in health and wellbeing. This is in recognition of the Nature Neighbours project – an art trail across six parks in Halewood, connecting communities with nature and exploring local green spaces.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities commented: “Once again, I am delighted to see Knowsley organisations named as finalists for these awards. We have an amazing cultural offer here in Knowsley with so many talented individuals and organisations who create wonderful opportunities for our residents so it’s only right that their contributions are recognised and rewarded. Congratulations to the finalists and I wish them the very best of luck for the awards evening.”
Angharad Williams, Head of Creative People and Places, Heart of Glass added: “We’re thrilled that Nature Neighbours has been recognised as a finalist. Working with the talented artist duo Juneau Projects, the residents of Halewood, and the Knowsley Council Green Spaces Team, the project has created a trail of playful artworks that support wellbeing, foster a sense of shared ownership, and has encouraged people to connect with the nature right on our doorstep.
It’s been really inspiring to see people engaging so enthusiastically, shaping the project, and coming together as a community. We’d also like to congratulate the other finalists, whose projects show the incredible ways the arts can build connection and wellbeing across our communities.”
The Culture and Creativity Awards ceremony will be held at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool in June – a fitting stage for a night of celebration, inspiration, and creative brilliance.
