The annual Manchester Culture Awards is accepting nominations that "recognise the city's cultural and creative highlights over the last year, as well as some of the city's top talent working in the arts."
The awards were launched by the city council in 2018, the year that the long-running Manchester Theatre Awards announced its closure. While theatre isn't explicitly covered by any of the categories, theatre productions and personnel are occasionally recognised.
Nominees can be amateurs or professionals but must either be based in the city of Manchester (not Greater Manchester) or "have a strong track record of delivering activity for the benefit of people who live in or visit the city, or that benefits the local economy" and must refer to activities between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, except for the Cultural Welcome Award, in the fields of visual art, music, theatre, performance, dance, film and broadcast media, literature, digital art, photography, craft or heritage arts.
Award categories are Bright Spark: Young Creative of the Year, Excellence in Creative Health and Wellbeing, Champions of Equality and Social Justice, Our Planet: Action on Climate Change, Igniting Creativity: Culture, Education and Talent Development, Making it Happen: Best Business Partnership, The Best Event, The Best Performance, The Best Exhibition, Independent Creative Award and The Cultural Welcome Award.
There will also be a number of Special Recognition Awards presented at the ceremony, which will be held at the Hilton Hotel Deansgate on Saturday 22 November.
For more information and to make a nomination, see the Manchester City Council web site. Nominations close on 4 July 2025.