After the 2020 event was cancelled in March last year because of the pandemic, the annual Journal Culture Awards, set up to recognise North East creativity and creatives, will return this year with a special presentation in Durham Cathedral on 2 September which will be hosted, as ever, by actor Chris Connel.
Members of the public are being invited to make nominations in the following categories:
- Visual Artist of the Year Recognising a North East-based artist whose work during 2020–21 has left a lasting impression. It will be given for an individual piece of work or an exhibition.
- Performance of the Year For an individual, group or company who, in 2020–21, put on a performance in the North East (live or virtual) which moved or inspired. Examples could include dance, music, theatre or comedy.
- Performing Artist of the Year Recognising an individual performer or group that stood out during 2020–21. Nominations welcome for all performers: dancers, musicians, singers, performance poets, comedians etc. Could be for one performance or several, live or virtual.
- Newcomer of the Year Recognising any North East-based writer, artist, performer or visual artist who came to the public’s attention for the first time in 2020–21.
- Writer of the Year Recognising an author, playwright, screenwriter or poet who has had outstanding work published or performed (live or virtual) in 2020–21.
- Best Arts & Business Partnership Recognising an outstanding partnership which has demonstrated an innovative way of working in 2020–21 to achieve respective goals.
- Arts Council Award Nominations invited for a cultural event or piece/pieces of work which inspired or had an impact in 2020–21.
- Best Event Awarded for a virtual event or permitted live gathering during 2020–21 in the North East.
- Special Award for Young Achievement To reward a special achievement in the arts by an individual or group aged 18 or under in 2020–21.
- Special Recognition Award Recognising special efforts by an individual, group or organisation to sustain arts and culture throughout the pandemic.
On the night, an additional Special Award for an outstanding contribution to arts and culture in the region will be presented. This will be in the gift of the judges and nominations are not being sought.
Nominations, by any member of the public, must be made by Wednesday 28 July on the ReachEvents web site.