Northern Devon's incredible creative sectors were celebrated on Friday 13 March at the Flourishing Culture Awards.
Nominees and guests attended the ceremony at The Barnstaple Hotel, which recognised the innovation, talent and hard work that drives culture across the region. The awards celebrate people, groups, and organisations who have made a significant impact on the cultural life of our communities in North Devon and Torridge.
Musical performances on the evening were provided by Sorrelli Strings, The Voice Choir and Amena El-Kindy, appearing straight from London’s West End. The event also featured a special screening of Boundaries, the most recent project from SwitchFrame, filmed on location at North Devon Cricket Club in Instow.
The evening was brought to a close by Ian Roome MP, who congratulated the winners and highlighted the importance of Northern Devon’s local creative industries and cultural sector.
The award winners were:
• Arts in education, sponsored by North Devon College: Magical Tots
• Crafts: Jennie Lamb
• Digital, film and moving image, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: SwitchFrame
• Diversity and inclusion: SEND The Help CIC
• Heritage, sponsored by Pearce Construction: Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour Project
• Innovation, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: Ecotribo
• Sport: Skate Molton CIC
• Literature: Barnstaple Library
• Performing arts sponsored by Landmark Theatres: Kook Ensemble
• Rural community engagement: Melissa Turnbull, hand:plant
• Visual Arts: North Devon Arts
• Special Recognition Award - sponsored by Dartington Crystal: Frances Bell
Councillor Mark Haworth-Booth, Cultural Partnership Board representative for North Devon Council, said: “Huge congratulations to all the winners! The Northern Devon cultural sector plays a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening our sense of place. Winners and nominees alike should be incredibly proud of the creativity and commitment they show, and of the positive impact their work has across our communities.
“Northern Devon’s cultural scene continues to go from strength to strength, and these awards recognise the people and organisations who make that possible. We are grateful to everyone involved in delivering the event, and to our sponsors for helping us celebrate the very best of culture in our area."
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement, Torridge District Council, said: “It was such an inspiring evening at the Northern Devon Flourishing Culture Awards, and huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners. The event showcased the incredible talent, creativity and community spirit across North Devon and Torridge. These organisations and individuals help make our area more colourful, both literally and metaphorically, and it is these elements that make life so special.
"A highlight was the outstanding performance by Amena El-Kindy, whose journey from North Devon to a leading role in the West End production of Les Misérables is truly inspiring.
"These awards not only celebrate those already making a difference, but also encourage and inspire others to help our communities flourish. Northern Devon really is a very special place, and I would like to thank the sponsors and District Councils for organising and supporting such a fantastic event.”
The event is part of North Devon Council and Torridge District Council’s Flourishing Culture Strategy, which was adopted and launched by North Devon and Torridge District Councils in October 2022. It aims to improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations. The strategy sets out the value that culture brings to northern Devon, the aspiration for what it could be, and some suggested actions for raising the ambition, sustainability and impact of culture in all its forms across the region.
The event was funded by North Devon Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and supported by award sponsors: Devon Film Logistics, Pearce Construction, Dartington Crystal, Landmark Theatres and North Devon College.
Businesses interested in sponsoring future events to receive an award in the company's name should contact culture@northdevon.gov.uk.