Cllr Janet Emsley

Rochdale Borough Council

WINNER

Best Arts Champion - Councillor 2021

Nomination

What our judges said:

"Janet sounds like an incredibly passionate and dedicated champion of the arts in Rochdale. Her vital role in ensuring the Dippy Tour came to Rochdale shows the huge impact her work has on her community. I was really impressed by the myriad of ways Janet made valuable contributions and her willingness to adapt to whatever task needed doing. It’s great to see that such an economically-deprived area has someone like Janet who fights for the arts so doggedly. I’m sure she is instrumental in opening up creativity, increasing positive mental health, and sparking inspiration in communities who have not had much access to the arts before."

Francesca Martinez Comedian, writer and actor

"What a fabulous contribution to both the arts and the local community! It’s both reassuring and inspiring that there are people like Janet out there, and that she’s making sure that her voice and influence as a Councillor is used to the max to make the world a better place. Really good leadership is always that bit better with a strong dose of raw enthusiasm, and Janet clearly has that in spades."

Helen Czerski Physicist, oceanographer and television presenter

"Firstly, it was so wonderful to read of Janet’s efforts AFTER being blown away by the Dippy tour project. It’s no surprise that someone of this calibre was part of the team that delivered Dippy to Rochdale. She seems to be at the heart of EVERYTHING cultural or artistic and that level of commitment is inspiring. When art and culture are personified by a passionate and ebullient person things happen even in the most deprived places. They become beacons of light that illuminate everything which is even more impressive with limited resources."

Le Gateau Chocolat Drag artiste and cabaret performer

"So impressed by Janet’s efforts and obvious talents at motivating her staff , creating collaborations and developing connections that ensure projects get off the ground. She sounds like an incredible asset to have in any community and an ambassador for creativity who’s prepared to battle against the odds."

Mariella Frostrup Journalist and presenter

"Janet is part of the scene, participating in all aspects. She seems to have an un wavering conviction in what she believes is the right way to go and just goes ahead and makes it work."

Paul Hartnoll Musician, composer and founder member of Orbital

"It is great to see such passionate advocacy and support from a Councillor on the arts and culture in Rochdale, and someone who puts in such genuine time, support and passion for their local arts and cultural institutions."

Petra Roberts 2020 winner, Cultural Development Manager at Hackney Council

"The scale of the job Janet Emsley has committed to could hardly be overestimated, but she's clearly smashing it with energy, devotion and commitment. One person can really make a difference, and Janet's nomination is a sign of the regard she's held in by her colleagues and peers."

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

"Wow - what an amazing force for culture Cllr Emsley is. She’s inspirational and helps to support so many people on so many levels. Lucky Rochdale!"

"Councillor Janet Emsley is a hands-on advocate of the arts in her local area. From face-to-face intervention to online promotion, the arts are always central to her objectives. Here’s hoping 2021 brings even further success for her endeavours, further promoting her excellent work within Rochdale Borough Council’s local communities."