NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR ANNUAL RED CARPET ARTS EVENT in March 2012

The hunt begins to find the district's most dedicated community volunteers.

Anyone living in South Cambridgeshire who inspires communities to get involved in arts, culture and music could be the next winner and residents are being urged to put forward people who give up their time for free.

At the 2011 awards, winners ranged from Siobhan and Tim Lihoreau, a couple who won a gong for organising a 100 strong choir for all ages in Histon and Impington, to Hilary Gretton, a volunteer from Bourn who edited 'Inspirations', a community arts magazine for people with disabilities.

The awards were set up in 2009 to celebrate people and groups in South Cambridgeshire who enrich the arts scene. The fourth annual award ceremony in 2012 will be held on 28 March at Swavesey Village College, and nominations are being accepted until Wednesday 29 February.

To nominate an individual, or group of people, who have made a lasting impression on the arts in South Cambridgeshire communities, please complete the nomination form or contact Andy OHanlon (This link will open in a new window)on (01954) 713343.

Tony Orgee, South Cambridgeshire District Council's Chairman, said: "The awards are a great way of bringing together South Cambridgeshire communities to celebrate the work our unsung heroes carry out for the good of others. The people who give up their time for the good of their communities rarely get the credit they really deserve so I would urge please get in touch if you know of someone, or a group of people who have gone that extra mile in the name of the arts. Please remember that it can often be what seems to be a very small contribution that can often have the biggest effect on people's lives."

Arts development

Young people performing a dancePeople playing drums at a carnivalA young person break dancing

The villages of South Cambridgeshire are alive with all kinds of arts activity including visual arts, theatre, music, dance and filmmaking. The council aims to increase participation in creative activities, boosting community spirit and contributing to a better quality of life for residents. The policy of the council is, rather than directly providing arts services, to support arts organisations working in and with the community.

The council supports

Quality arts activity through five local arts development managers, funded in partnership with eight of the district's village colleges. The Lead Officer for Arts and Cultures' responsibilities include a number of key district-wide arts initiatives including the County's Children and Young People's Services Youth Offer for 13-19 year olds in the District (artsMASH), an arts equipment bank, mobile cinema service, film projects, digital storytelling and rural touring theatre.

Community-based public art projects undertaken or funded by property developers have been underpinned by a supplementary planning document since January 2009. A good example of arts work in new communities are the neighbourhood arts projects at Orchard Park, a 900-home development north of Cambridge.

The Councils' officers are supporting the integration of new arts facilities for growth areas in partnership with Cambridgeshire Horizons.

Arts events

If you are seeking arts events in South Cambridgeshire, please visit Cambridgeshire.net - Events section (This link will open in a new window) where you can search their extensive listings or add your own events and activities.

Contact

Lead Officer, Arts and Culture 03450 450 500
Email: arts@scambs.gov.uk

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