An innovative community arts project supported by Ipswich Borough Council has been shortlisted in the prestigious Hearts For The Arts Awards 2017.
The Eye For Ipswich community print-making initiative was delivered last year by Oyster Community Press and part-funded by the Borough Council.
Its aim was to bring people from different cultures and backgrounds in the Norwich Road area of town together to create images of the town seen through the eyes of others.
Some 24 people from 12 nationalities got involved in the project, which culminated in a professionally curated exhibition of work at the County Library.
Now, What Next? And the National Campaign for the Arts have come together to create the Hearts for the Arts Awards, a new initiative to reward and thank local councils who are overcoming financial challenges to ensure the arts stay at the centre of community life.
The world-renowned judging panel comprises former Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Deborah Bull, visual artist Bob & Roberta Smith, playwright and director David Lan, musician Chi-chi Nwanoku, comedian and writer AL Kennedy, and actor and director Samuel West.
Ipswich Borough Council is now battling three other councils (the London boroughs of Lewisham and Walthamstow, Oldham and Thanet) for top spot in the “Best Local Authority Arts Project encouraging community cohesion” category.
Councillor Julian Gibbs chairs the Borough’s Central Area Committee, which supported the project financially. He said: “We are proud to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award for our support for a project that brings together the community and the arts. The Council recognises how important this is and we value our relationship with Oyster Press, which delivered Eye for Ipswich.”
Alison Smyth of Oyster Community press said: "When we were approached by the Community Engagement Officer of the Central Area Committee to help them improve community relations, we were delighted that they understood how art can bring people together. As artists we see this as a vital part of what we do every day and we hope the council gets the recognition it deserves for supporting the arts in community life."
Announcing the shortlist, Samuel West, Chair of the National Campaign for the Arts, stated: “Judging these awards is a real pleasure: there’s so much life-enhancing work in the arts that’s supported by local authorities, despite their financial challenges.”
The winner will be announced on 11th February.
