Andy Dawson

Inspire Youth Arts

WINNER

Best Arts Champion - Local Authority or Cultural Trust Worker 2021

Nomination

What our judges said:

"I love Andy’s passion for providing arts services to disadvantaged young people. As someone who desperately wanted to be a performer, but was discouraged – because of my disability - by many adults, I can see the huge importance of someone like Andy, who strongly believes in the power of art to heal, inspire, and help process difficult experiences. His long career and the wide-ranging nature of his projects is wonderful, and demonstrates a deep dedication to working with young people of all backgrounds. Andy has clearly transformed many lives for the better."

Francesca Martinez Comedian, writer and actor

"Effective advocacy for the arts is so important, and it’s fantastic to hear about people like Andy who are clearly so good and so passionate about what they do. It takes a lot of hard work and the right personality to connect to such a broad range of community members, and the results (as Andy has shown) are incredibly valuable."

Helen Czerski Physicist, oceanographer and television presenter

"The breadth and quality of Andy’s work must be exceptional when you consider some of the partners he has engaged. Playing with BBC Philharmonic and the Halle Orchestra at The Albert Hall is an extraordinary feat in and of itself but the real magic is what he’s gifting the players and his community- the ambition and permission to dream big because that sort of art, considered elite by many, is often exclusive, but not according to Andy. That is very special. In addition to advocating for individuals with special needs to be included. I attended an inclusivity workshop at The Globe where the facilitator opened with ‘no one is born disabled, society disables them’- to work across as many organisations as listed here and to secure the resources that facilitated performances in both London and Manchester is the work of a champion because putting that into practise is often met by roadblocks you didn’t even envisage. I love what Andy is doing and has done. A gift to any community but to the young people of Nottinghamshire, he has expanded their worldview by including them in the conversation and showing them possibilities beyond their borders."

Le Gateau Chocolat Drag artiste and cabaret performer

"It’s impossible not to be impressed by Andy’s many achievements but particularly his work with the Able Orchestra and his skills empowering his team to work independently and create projects that have such a wide impact."

Mariella Frostrup Journalist and presenter

"Nice one Andy. It sounds like you are running a creative kingdom with open arms for young folk and people who don’t have the means. I especially like the focus on recording music, which is a daunting thing to tackle if you are inexperienced and don’t have the facility . It feels like you’re really getting in there, one-to-one, and helping people create from the ground up."

Paul Hartnoll Musician, composer and founder member of Orbital

"Andy Dawson clearly is a resourceful and passionate arts leader that drives change through arts and culture for young people and those most in need."

Petra Roberts 2020 winner, Cultural Development Manager at Hackney Council

"To quote RATATOUILLE, ‘Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.’ Andy Dawson clearly believes this, and he backs it up with data and personal stories of how art and creativity can transform people's lives, no matter who they are and where they're from. The sort of producer you'd love to have in your trench in a big fight, Andy's tenacity and good-humour shine through this nomination. What a wonderful champion of people, especially young people, in Nottinghamshire. Look after him."

Samuel West Actor, director and Trustee of Campaign for the Arts

"Andy is a powerhouse, leading a small team which has a massive impact. He has built partnerships, inspired his team and the people they work with, and ensured culture has a real voice in the larger organisation"

"Wow! Andy is outstanding. His work for young people and the arts in Nottinghamshire is far reaching. He is evidently a tireless campaigner for the arts and his positive attitude and big picture approach has led to significant impact in many areas. His dedication to continuing to support the artists he works with throughout the pandemic is commendable."