Southland arts practitioners, producers and supporters are invited to take a bow as Arts Murihiku calls for nominations for the inaugural Southland Creative Arts Awards.
After a successful Night of the Arts event on May 17, Arts Murihiku is continuing its mission to make the arts more visible, vibrant and valued throughout the region.
It has announced a gala awards dinner in August which will celebrate the successes and work that goes into making Southland’s thriving arts sector shine.
Arts Murihiku chairwoman Becs Amundsen said the awards would recognise the work that goes on behind the scenes in any arts organisation as well as emerging and outstanding artistic work.
"This will represent both an opportunity to gather as a community to celebrate our own place as artists in Murihiku, while celebrating excellence among our peers", Mrs Amundsen said.
"From the lifetime achievement award, acknowledging lifelong dedication to our community, to the production excellence award, celebrating those whose work behind the scenes are a crucial part of an artistic endeavour, the awards encompass a diverse spectrum recognising dedication and talent", Mrs Amundsen said.
Arts Murihiku is urging groups and individuals to become involved in the awards from across the arts community.
"Rock’n’roll dancers, kapa haka practitioners, digital artists, directors, knitters and potters and makeup artists — Arts Murihiku recognises and welcomes anyone who exemplifies the creative spirit that makes our region so special", Mrs Amundsen said.
"This will be a testament to the collaborative spirit and the shared commitment to creativity and innovation that we’re seeing in Murihiku."
Nominations close on June 30 and the event takes place at Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill, on August 17.
