Scotland's top cultural projects for 2020 have been revealed
Scotland’s top cultural projects for 2020 have been revealed.
Started in 2010, the Epic Awards shine a light on the achievements of volunteer-led groups across the UK and Ireland, aiming to inspire others to get involved and participate in creative activities.
The awards are run by Voluntary Arts, who support and promote participation in creative, cultural activities. In previous years, winning or being shortlisted for an Epic Award has been a real boost for groups, who found their profile raised locally and nationally and that it helped with future fundraising efforts.
The 2020 national winner and runner-up for Scotland will be selected by a panel of judges, while the People’s Choice Award will be chosen by members of the public, who can vote online until voting closes on 20 September.
Groups nominated for The 2020 Epic Award in Scotland are:
BeeKind – A community drama show in Aberdeenshire that took inspiration from the collaboration and teamwork of bees.
Bridgend Eco-Bothy – A group of volunteers in Edinburgh who transformed a disused building into a hub for community and creative activity.
Campsie Fest – A twice-yearly festival in East Dunbartonshire that keeps the village hall open with its fundraising.
Castlebay Christmas Tree Project – A Christmas tree decoration project on Barra that engaged knitters on the island and around the world.
Comrie Cinema Club – A volunteer-led events club in Perthshire that stopped locals having to travel a 52-mile round-trip to visit the cinema.
The Spit it Out Project – A group of young artists in Edinburgh who use visual and performance art to heal trauma and promote sex positivity.
Stirling Photography Festival – A volunteer-run festival that celebrates local and international photography, working with partners throughout Stirling.
Jemma Neville, director of Voluntary Arts Scotland, said: “We are always so impressed by the range of projects that enter our annual Epic Awards, and this year is no different. The groups on our 2020 shortlist not only make a huge difference in their own communities, but are shining examples of what can be achieved when volunteer effort and creativity come together. Picking a winner and runner-up will be no easy task for our judging panel, but we hope members of the public will join us in this endeavour by voting in the People’s Choice Award.”
