EPIC AWARDS 2014 OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS
THE search for the most innovative and inspiring voluntary arts groups in the UK and Ireland is now on.
The Epic Awards are an initiative of Voluntary Arts, and since 2010 have been shining a light on the diversity of amateur arts and crafts activity. Nominations are now open for the 2014 Awards.
Previous winners have included an all-male voice choir that took a novel approach to increasing participation, a breakdance crew who worked with the NHS to roll-out an anti-smoking project, a drumming group that aided mental health recovery, and an orchestra that became a YouTube hit when they performed an uplifting flash mob in their local bus station.
For the first time ever, the Epic Awards winners reception will be held in Scotland. The Awards will be presented at a reception at Platform Arts in Easterhouse Glasgow on 26 February 2014, with the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Relations, Fiona Hyslop MSP.
All voluntary-led arts groups are eligible to apply. Entries might include:
- groups who have formed new collaborations;
- projects that engage with a local community or beyond;
- activity that sets out to educate, inspire or increase participation;
- groups who use new technology in innovative ways
A winner and runner-up will be chosen for England, Northern & Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. There will also be a ‘People’s Choice’ award for each nation, voted for online by the public once the shortlist is announced in early December.
Nominations are now open, and application forms can be downloaded from www.epicawards.co.uk
Closing date for entries: 30 November 2013.
Notes to editors:
- The Epic Awards are run by Voluntary Arts, a national charity and representative body for voluntary arts groups. Voluntary Arts promotes participation, supports the activities of voluntary arts groups, and advocates on their behalf to local and national government. The Winners Reception will be hosted by Voluntary Arts Scotland, the Scottish branch of Voluntary Arts.
- From singing to knitting, amateur dramatics to painting, over 60,000 voluntary arts groups across the UK and Republic of Ireland provide regular opportunities for cultural engagement in local areas. The Epic Awards celebrate their achievements.
- As well as their awards, winners will also receive a range of prizes still to be confirmed. Previous winners have found that being shortlisted for, or winning, an Epic Award has raised their profile considerably both locally and with funders.
- More information about the Epic Awards, and previous winners, can be found at www.epicawards.co.uk
For interview quotes, case studies of previous winners and photographs please contact:
Kelly Donaldson
Voluntary Arts Scotland
Email: kelly@vascotland.org.uk
Tel: 0131 561 7333 / 07843 056023
A montage photo of the 2013 winners is attached.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Voluntary Arts Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Kelly Donaldson
Phone: 07843056023
Email: kelly@vascotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.epicawards.co.uk
