THE third annual Sunday Herald Culture Awards returns in July and nominations are now being sought for the best artists, venues and events.
The awards aim to celebrate the very best of the entertainment industry and Sunday Herald readers can put forward those Scots stars leading the charge.
In previous years the ceremony has acclaimed the likes of poet and broadcaster Liz Lochhead and star of the Outlander TV series Sam Heughan.
The awards, in association with Edinburgh Napier University, are made up of 16 categories sponsored by companies including EventScotland – part of VisitScotland’s events directorate – the Blue Parrot Company and Cameron Presentations.
Among the categories are a behind the scenes award, honours for lifetime achievements, best artist awards across many creative disciplines and a “one to watch award” to showcase up-and-comers finding success.
Previous winners include Hollywood stars Ewan McGregor and James McAvoy, Scottish Opera Composer in Residence Lliam Paterson and former Tesco worker turned globetrotting dancer, Neil Price.
Pauline Miller Judd, Dean of Arts and Creative Industries at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “The awards are an important addition to Scotland’s cultural sector, recognising and celebrating the range and diversity of the talent across the arts.”
Paul Bush, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “The awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate some of the fantastic events that have taken place over the past year and which contribute so much to Scotland’s cultural and economic life.”
A panel of expert judges, chaired by Sunday Herald editor Neil Mackay – and all having bona fides in Scottish creative industries – will be selecting the very best of our nation’s artists, events and venues.
Mackay said: “The Culture Awards is now in its third year and the event has gone from strength to strength, with this year’s ceremony expected to be the best yet. We look forward to receiving the high standard of entries we have come to expect.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 12 in Glasgow and will cost £80 a ticket plus VAT. Nominations are free. Table bookings are also available via the event website (https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/cultureawards/). The deadline for nominations is Thursday May 10.
Artists who would like to provide entertainment on the night are also invited to get in touch by contacting Hannah Docherty on hannah.docherty@heraldandtimes.co.uk.