Despite rising demand for services and central government funding reductions, councils continue to be the biggest investors in culture, bringing communities across the country together.
Responding to the announcement of the Hearts for the Arts award winners, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:
“I congratulate all the winners of these awards, and those who were shortlisted.
“The winners demonstrate some of the best and innovative ways in which councils are bringing communities together, using cultural activities to tackle serious challenges, and enrich the lives of their residents.
“Despite rising demand for services and central government funding reductions, councils continue to be the biggest investors in culture, bringing communities across the country together.
“It is enormously inspiring to hear these stories of personal leadership, local impact, and success.“
Notes
- Winners of the awards are:
Arts Initiative: Plymouth Music Zone (Plymouth City Council)
Community cohesion: Windrush Generations Festival (Hackney Council)
Wellbeing: Outside Edge (Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea)
Worker: Pauline Smeaton (Fife Cultural Trust)
Councillor: Cllr Luthfur Rahman (Manchester City Council)
- More information on the winners can be found on the Hearts for the Arts website.
- Winners will be presented with their awards by actor Samuel West at the LGA’s annual culture and tourism conference on 2-3 March.