Awards - Achievement through The Arts
An awards category for those that make their mark creatively in the arts world - film, television, theatre, literature and then light up the world for others in doing so.
In Association With:
The Judges
Ray Burdis
Ali Bastian
Idris ElbaThe Nominees
Islington Youth Theatre
This forty strong collective of 12-21 year olds come together from five different secondary schools to pursue their dreams in the dramatic arts. Without Islington Youth Theatre most of the members would not otherwise be involved in theatre or performance.
They hold innovative and ground-breaking shows twice a year and meet weekly to fuse their ideas and interests, all playing a key role in the running of the company. They raise funds for all projects themselves and have had an astonishing year, doubling the number of young people they work with.
This year they were selected from over two hundred youth companies to perform at The National Youth Theatre as part of the New Connections Festival 2009 and were featured in Time Out magazine and The Guardian.
Superarts Dancers
Superarts was founded by Irene Hayes who runs the project with choreographer daughter Susan.
The Superarts Dancers are a large group of 30 plus children between the ages of 6 and 18, from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, but all residents of Southwark. It is the love of dance that brings this group together, fostered through the Superarts school.
They show commitment and dedication both to dance, peers and teachers, reflecting the optimism, enthusiasm and boundless energy possible in our young people.
They volunteer their time and talent generously for many charitable organisations, including Anti-Slavery International and more recently in a Dance For Life fundraising event for The British Red Cross, with a piece to highlight the plight of child soldiers.
Dean Atta
This 24 year old writer/poet/actor and teacher from North West London actively stands up for the rights of young people, minority groups and gay people in such a way that inspires and empowers all he meets.
He graduated from Sussex University and whilst living in Brighton was openly gay President of the African Caribbean Society and a Black Students Representative on the Student Union Council. Since graduating he regularly tours schools delivering anti-bullying workshops for No Outsiders and Schools Out, challenging homophobia and discrimination through the use of poetry and drama games.
In 2008 he featured on Channel 4 in a Three-Minute Wonder entitled Young Black and Gay, and in recognition of his work he won the prestigious Black LGBT Community Arts Award.
