Mansfield man nominated for top arts award

Andy Dawson, service manager at Inspire Youth Arts, has been nominated in the Hearts for the Arts Awards 2021.

Andy has been shortlisted in the Best Arts Champion – Local Authority or Cultural Trust Worker category, for his work in strategically planning and securing funds to deliver fantastic create journeys for young people across Nottinghamshire.

Andy said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this award, but without the amazing team of colleagues and artists I work with it just wouldn’t be possible to achieve what we have over the past 20 plus years, constantly striving to improve the lives of young people in Nottinghamshire through the arts.”

An awards spokesperson said: “Andy is amazing, his work for young people and the arts in Nottinghamshire is far reaching.

"He is evidently a tireless campaigner for the arts and his positive attitude and big picture approach has led to significant impact in many areas, and has ensured culture has a real voice in the larger organisation.

This year’s award winners will be selected from the shortlist by a judging panel of key arts industry experts and practitioners, including actors Adrian Lester and Samuel West, musician Paul Hartnol and drag artiste Le Gateau Chocolat.

The winners will announced on February 14.

For more information about Inspire Youth Arts, click here.