THE CARMARTHENSHIRE Celebration of Culture Awards has shone the light on individuals, groups and organisations in the county who enrich lives through music, art and literature.
A celebration ceremony was held at the Ffwrnes Theatre last night recognising those who have made a significant contribution to the arts and culture in Carmarthenshire during the pandemic in 2020/21. The awards also celebrated those who contributed to culture in 2019 but who had not been previously recognised due to restrictions in line with the pandemic.
There were three winners in each category for both years including Excellence in Performing Arts; Excellence in Visual Arts and Crafts; Excellence in Creative Media; Excellence in Literature; Excellence in Heritage; and Excellence in Music. And two winners for each year in the Young Talent and Outstanding Contribution to Culture.
The awards are organised by Carmarthenshire County Council to highlight the importance of culture in the region and showcase our county-wide cultural achievements.
Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, cabinet member for culture, sport and tourism, is behind the awards scheme.
He said: “The arts were one of the worst affected sectors during the pandemic, but at a time when people needed their spirits lifted our talented artists stepped up and provided.
We should be under no illusion of the power of the arts to support people’s health and wellbeing – despite our theatres and studios being closed for such long periods, our artists found innovative ways to reach audiences. We are so lucky to have a rich cultural heritage here in Carmarthenshire with many distinguished artists, literary greats and stars of stage and screen continuing to inspire us. Hosting these awards provides an opportunity to honour those who enrich our lives and add vibrancy to Carmarthenshire.”
S4C’s Prynhawn Da and Heno presenter, Yvonne Evans compered the event with live performances from four of the winners: Côr Curiad, Lauren Fisher (both Excellence in Music award winners); Jada & Casey Lane, and Rebecca Lewis (Young Talent winners).
Winners and Categories
2020
Excellence in Performing Arts
iCan Productions
Gŵyl Cerdd Dant Llanelli a’r Cylch 2019
Aelwyd yr Urdd Hafodwenog
Excellence in Visual Arts & Crafts
Peter Spriggs
Raymond & Diane Jones
Miriam Hughes
Excellence in Creative Media
Carys Ifan
Sam Turton
Clwb Asbri
Excellence in Literature
Cheryl Beer
Alun Lenny
Denley Owen
Excellence in Heritage
Pembrey & Burry Port Heritage Group
Gŵyl yr Orsedd 2019
Philip James
Excellence in Music
Lauren Fisher
Samuel Wyn Morris
Osian Clarke
Young Talent
Jada & Casey Lane
Outstanding Contribution to Culture
Ken Rees
2022
Excellence in Performing Arts
Angharad James
Dean Verbeeck
Carmarthen Youth Opera
Excellence in Visual Arts & Crafts
Ainsley Hillard, Kathryn Campbell, and Newton House (Dinefwr National Trust)
Dorothy Morris
Kate Evans
Excellence in Creative Media
Eve Howard
Gareth Price
Karl Sedgwick and The Creative Industries Department at Coleg Sir Gâr
Excellence in Literature
Carole Ann Smith
Ysgol Farddol Caerfyrddin
Arwyn Thomas
Excellence in Heritage
Parc Howard Association
Jon Tregenna
Tywi Gateway Trust
Excellence in Music
Côr Curiad
Radio Glangwili
Carmarthenshire Music Service
Young Talent
Rebecca Lewis
Outstanding Contribution to Culture
Rev’ Beti-Wyn James
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