The Journal Culture Awards shortlists for 2021 have been announced. The nominations in each category are:
Writer of the Year
- Fiona Ellis
- Linda France
- Jessica Johnson
Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by The Northern School of Art
- Farrah Cave
- Andrew Finnigan
- Lizzie Lovejoy
- The Spaghetti Factory
Performing Artist of the Year
- Field Music
- Jodie Nicholson
- Shakk
Performance of the Year, sponsored by North East Culture Partnership
- Lisette Auton for Writing the Missing: A River Cycle
- Northern Heartlands for Song of Our Heartland
- Opera Sunderland for The Soldier’s Return
- Paul Smith & Museums Northumberland: A Concert for the Northumberland Miners' Picnic
Best Event, sponsored by University of Sunderland
- Durham Music’s Big Play 2021
- GIFT 2020 (Gateshead International Festival of Theatre)
- In the Castle of My Skin by Sonia Boyce at MIMA
- Sunderland Stories
- A Touch of Colour by Let’s Circus at Woodhorn
Special Award for Youth Achievement, sponsored by Northumberland County Council
- Jack Drum Arts for Doorstep Gigs
- Takeover Festival, South Shields
- Young Musicians Project, Sunderland
Arts Council Award, supported by Arts Council England
- Mimazina
- Re-imagining Pride
- Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia: The World How Wide, commissioned by Sage Gateshead
Best Arts and Business Partnership, sponsored by The Northern Studios
- Beamish Museum and Reece Group
- Luxi and the Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership
- Mortal Fools and Vida Creative
Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Newcastle City Council
- ARC, Stockton Arts Centre
- Beccy Owen’s Pop-Up Choirs
- Tyne & Wear Cultural Freelancers
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Durham Cathedral on 2 September.
The Culture Awards 2021 are headline sponsored by Durham County Council, which is leading the bid on behalf of Culture Durham to be UK City of Culture 2025. Council leader Amanda Hopgood said, “the Culture Awards are an opportunity for us all to celebrate the amazing individuals, groups and organisations that enrich life across the region.
“The wealth and variety of creative talent shortlisted for the awards this year reflects the diverse and resilient cultural scene that exists within the region.
“Showcasing this talent is also a key part of County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025, as we believe the benefits and opportunities this status will bring will be felt across the North East. I would like to wish all of the finalists the very best of luck. It is sure to be a night to remember.”