(Image: Jakub Iwanicki Photography & Video)
The best and brightest of the capital’s arts and culture scene has been unveiled ahead of the Creative Edinburgh Awards next month.
Thirty-two people and organisations from across the city have been named as finalists in the awards, which will take place on November 13 at Central Hall.
Creative Edinburgh executive director Ola Wojtkiewicz reflected on the ceremony's impact ahead of the awards’ “milestone” 15th anniversary.
“We’re proud of the awards' role in building the city’s creative legacy,” she said.
“They recognise local talent, amplify ambitious projects and celebrate the people and places making a lasting difference to their communities.”
Pianodrome, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Screen Education and Summerhall Arts have been shortlisted for the Community Award.
Edinburgh Community Performing Arts, HIV Aloud: Raise the Curtain with Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care, Out of Sight Out of Mind Exhibition and Screen Education Edinburgh have been named finalists for the Inclusion Award.
32 people and organisations have been shortlisted for the awards. (Image: Jakub Iwanicki Photography & Video)
Dementia-Friendly Workshops with Space Beacon Club and Edinburgh International Festival, HIV Aloud, Manipulate Arts & WHALE Arts’ Ocho Project and Starcatchers Productions Ltd are the finalists for the Collaboration Award.
Darren Wilkie, Fiona Linton, Hannah Ayre and Rachel Barlow have been shortlisted for the Development Award.
“The awards are about more than recognition; they bring together artists, communities, organisations and funders, strengthening the connections that help creativity thrive,” Ms Wojtkiewicz added.
“This reflects our commitment to supporting creative entrepreneurship and contributing to Edinburgh’s Culture and Wellbeing Strategy.
"We’re equally proud of the longstanding partnerships that make the awards possible - a testament to the power of a connected, collaborative city."
The Festivals Award, sponsored by the List, has also shortlisted four organisations; Edinburgh Arts Festival, Hidden Door, Manipulate Festival and Summerhall Arts,
Finalists for the Innovation Award inlcude Heads on Crooked, The Pend, Trevor Jones and Where Are The Disabled Photographers?
Four people have been shortlisted for the Leadership Award, sponsored by Screen Scotland.
The finalists include Jess Abrams, a lecturer in community music at Edinburgh College, Kat Brooks, the leader of the Phoenix Choir, Susie Gray, executive director of Premier Scotland and Suzanne Lofthus, artistic director of Cutting Edge Theatre.
Floria Paul, The Edinburgh College Game Society, Romana Docherty and Lok Pui Lo have been shortlisted for the Student Award.
The shortlist has been announced at a time of uncertainty for the capital's arts scene.
Developers plan to build a hotel and flats at Summerhall, while more than 200 tenants at St Margaret's House have been told to vacate their studios by January.
Commenting on the shortlist, cabinet secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said: "Reaching the shortlist from over 140 nominations is a real achievement and reflects the depth of talent and ambition within Edinburgh's creative community.
The awards ceremony will be held at Central Hall in Edinburgh. (Image: Jakub Iwanicki Photography & Video)
“For fifteen years, these Awards have celebrated the individuals, organisations and projects that bring culture and creativity to life in our capital, and the partnerships that help that creativity flourish.
“I'm delighted to join the celebrations this November, and I wish every finalist the very best of luck."
The MC for the evening will be Katie Ailes of I Am Loud CIC, while the social enterprise Tinderbox Orchestra has been commissioned to perform two pieces of music.
Read more:
- 'I feel for them': Summerhall developer says some artists may be priced out of venue
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- Artists told to vacate creative hub as owner in talks over St Margaret's House sale
Sponsors include the Edinburgh Minute, the List, Screen Scotland, Dishoom, and Thistly Cross Cider.
“Within the vibrant cultural hub of Edinburgh, the Creative Edinburgh Awards play a vital role in highlighting the city's talent and helping them make a breakthrough in their chosen field,” said Brian Donaldson, editor of the List.
“The List is delighted to partner with the awards as they mark 15 years of celebrating Edinburgh's grassroots projects and local artists.”
Tickets for the awards ceremony are now on sale.