Epic Award deadline extended to 30 March
Scotland’s amateur cultural award still open for nominations.
RUN by Voluntary Arts Scotland, the Epic Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in the amateur cultural sector.
The 2015 Epic Awards are open for entries and groups have until 30 March to nominate themselves.
Previous Scotland Epic Award winners include a Paisley drumming group who came together to promote good mental health, an arts festival in Braemar that encouraged new people to get creative, a craft group on the Isle of Barra who invited people around the world to send them bunting, and a tapestry created by 1,000 volunteer stitchers.
Says a spokesperson: “Across the UK and Republic of Ireland, over 60,000 voluntary arts groups provide regular opportunities for cultural engagement in their local areas – the Epic Awards shine a spotlight on their achievements.”
All voluntary-led arts groups are eligible to apply. Entries might include:
- groups who formed interesting collaborations;
- projects that engaged with their local community or beyond;
- creative activity that inspired others or increased participation; and
- groups who used new ideas in innovative ways.
Application forms can be downloaded from www.epicawards.co.uk
Closing date for entries: 30 March 2015.
Notes to Editors:
- An Epic Award winner and runner-up will be chosen for England, Northern and 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 April.
- The Epic Awards are run by Voluntary Arts with support from Spirit of 2012 Trust. Voluntary Arts also acknowledges funding from Arts Council England, Arts Council Wales, Creative Scotland and Arts Council Northern Ireland. Voluntary Arts promotes participation in creative cultural activity, supports the activities of voluntary arts groups, and advocates on their behalf to local and national government.
- Epic Awards 2015 partners are Arts & Business Cymru, Making Music, Arts Development UK, People’s Voice Media, Audiences NI, Arts and Business NI, Ulster Association of Youth Drama, Dance Resource Base, Volunteer Now, Volunteer Ireland, Association of Irish Choirs, Association of Irish Festival Events, Sue Isherwood, Rosemary Curtis and BBC Outreach.
- The 2015 Epic Awards will be presented at a reception in Salford’s Media City in May 2015, during Voluntary Arts Week. All winners from across the UK and Ireland with be offered an all-expenses paid trip to the reception.
- As well as their awards, winners will 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 with the media, local audiences and funders.
- More information about the Epic Awards, and previous winners, can be found at epicawards.co.uk or visit the Epic Awards Facebook page and follow the Awards on Twitter @EpicAwards
For interview quotes, case studies of previous winners and photographs please contact: Kelly Donaldson, communications manager, Voluntary Arts Scotland. Email: kelly@vascotland.org.uk. Tel: 0131 561 7333 / 07843 056023.
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Voluntary Arts Scotland contact details…
Contact: Kelly Donaldson
Phone: 07843056023
Email: kelly@vascotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.epicawards.co.uk
