Newcomer Award: Adannay

for Home Is Where You Make It

In October, soul artist ADANNAY toured three rural venues in Somerset with a show that used music, film and poetry to unpack the Afro-Caribbean lived experience in the UK from the Windrush generation to the modern day. Take Art was proud to offer this show to its network of communities that showcased genres of music uncommon in rural touring and explored a cultural conversation of extreme importance. 

“Adannay’s show went down so well, people danced, talked, felt. Her tour sparked 100 conversations. She changed people’s minds. She was nervous about performing outside of cities because all she hears is that it’s conservative and intolerant. People were instead, receptive and enthusiastic, they changed…”

Green Champion Award: Lila Dance

for Fault Lines

Fault Lines was a show which toured rurally and pulls at the tension in our relationship with nature. Our constant pursuit of progress increasing the speed of life has left us out of sync with the natural world.
 
A scorched earth, from the rubble and the ruin the survivors emerge. A new world, a second chance. Within changing landscapes created from striking digital illustrations and evocative music, the survivors navigate the world, racing towards an unknown future.
 
While the show delivers an environmental rallying call, the production itself is as green as possible. Lîla Dance developed this work with a low carbon footprint, recycling and reusing materials.

 

Volunteer Promoter: Julie Mckirdy

Promoter for the Thimblemill Library Sandwell

A Life Dedicated to Community and Culture. Julie McKirdy has worked at Thimblemill Library in Sandwell for nearly 50 years. In an area with no dedicated arts venues and pockets of high deprivation, Julie – alongside the Friends of Thimblemill Library – has transformed a small branch into a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive cultural hub.

Under her stewardship, the library has become a stage for live theatre, dance, music, and exhibitions. Julie’s default state is to go above and beyond; she meets every artist and audience member with a level of enthusiasm and trust that is rare to find. For the people of Bearwood, Thimblemill is a place where they know they will find quality and enjoyment, largely because Julie is behind it.

“Julie is everything we believe a Community Promoter can be: deeply rooted in her community, ambitious for her audiences, and committed to making culture and creativity accessible to everyone. Thimblemill is our beacon for what a great touring venue looks like, and Julie – along with the Friends of Thimblemill Library – is the reason why.”

 

Creative Communication: Sophie Clouston

for The Rural Touring Guide

Sophie Clouston, Marketing and Communications Manager at Creative Arts East, was awarded the Creative Communication Award in recognition of her exceptional work in authoring, designing, and launching The Rural Touring Guide: How to Take Your Show on the Road.

Published in August 2025 by Creative Arts East on behalf of the NRTF, this guide marks a significant milestone for the network, delivering the first comprehensive, sector-wide handbook for rural touring artists in nearly twenty years.

(Zoe from Creative Arts East picked up the award on behalf of Sophie who was unable to attend the awards evening). 

 

Access Champion: The Other Library with Freewheelers and Farnham Maltings

Karl Newman and Katy Potter for The Other Library with Freewheelers theatre and Farnham Maltings

The Other Library was commissioned by Farnham Maltings originally for a library space in Buckinghamshire. This was the first time both Farnham maltings and Freewheelers has developed a project held entirely by disabled community artists to time and deadline for a prescriptive setting.

“Much was learned by all involved and the response from audiences was wholly positive. We wanted to take the project further so Farnham maltings worked with Freewheelers to consider a careful touring model which would enable their work and the artists to tour their piece. This meant the work was developed to be be two tier both installation and performance. the confidence grown amongst all producers, programmer and artists involved has grown and evolved to include new partners in Brighton and plans are in place to take the project to new locations in the future.”

 

Community Impact Award: Spot On for work with Lancashire Library Service

Since the development of Spot On Libraries for Lancashire Library Service (in 2016) Spot On has been fostering partnerships with artists to secure them free space to develop their practice and ideas within the libraries.

The idea is simple – broker opportunities for artistic conversation / activity in library settings with existing user groups. The results deliver authentic, lived experiences forming the backbone of new touring shows, the participants feel a deeper connection to the work, the artist is guaranteed an invested audience at their subsequent performances and the library staff experience hosting a broader range of activities within their library venue.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Yvonne Gallimore and John Laidlaw (joint winners)