Suffolk County Council’s Jayne Knight shortlisted for Hearts for the Arts Award 2020

17 Jan 2020 News, Press Release

The shortlist has been announced for the National Campaign for the Arts’ (NCA) Hearts For The Arts Awards 2020. The awards celebrate the unsung heroes of Local Authorities who are championing the arts, often within a climate of severe financial challenges.

Suffolk County Council’s Jayne Knight has been nominated for Best Arts Champion – Local Authority or Cultural Trust Worker.

Nominations were received from across the UK across the five award categories:

• Best Arts Initiative;
• Best Arts Project – Community Cohesion;
• Best Arts Project – Arts, Health and Wellbeing;
• Best Arts Champion – Local Authority or Cultural Trust Worker;
• Best Arts Champion – Councillor.

The shortlist was judged by representatives from some of this year’s partners in the awards: Culture Counts; Wales Council for Voluntary Action; Local Government Association; National Campaign for the Arts; and Voluntary Arts Wales.

Discussing Jayne’s nomination our partners said:

‘Jayne occupies in a seldom seen role with one eye on wider local authority agenda, and another on the local creative talent to deliver it. A vital, critical friend, to the Norfolk arts practitioners.’

‘She has shown excellent advocacy as a brilliant individual, passionate about their involvement in arts in many ways. Also excellent impact in their team, as they are a vital member and leader. Very strong partnership skills.’

The winners of the Hearts For The Arts Awards 2020 will be announced on Valentine’s Day, 14 February. The winners will be selected from the shortlist by a panel of key arts industry experts and practitioners, including:

• Susie Dent: lexicographer, etymologist, host of Countdown’s ‘Dictionary Corner’
• Gary Kemp: actor, musician, songwriter, founder member of Spandau Ballet
• Julie Hesmondhalgh: actress, activist
• Alom Shaha: Physics teacher, dad, author of Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder
• Errollyn Wallen CBE: composer
• Kirstie Wilson: Kirklees Council, winner 2019 Hearts for the Arts Best Local Authority Arts Champion – Officer
• Samuel West: actor, director, Chair of the National Campaign for the Arts
The National Campaign for the Arts present the Hearts For The Arts Awards each year. The awards are delivered by UK Theatre, in partnership with Culture Counts, the Local Government Association (LGA), Theatre NI, Voluntary Arts Wales, Wales Council for Voluntary Action and Thrive NI.

For more information on the shortlisted nominees visit forthearts.org.uk/campaigns/hearts-for-the-arts/