Award categories
Bright Spark: Young Creative of the Year
A young person (aged 13–25) who is inspiring future generations of Mancunians and others through their creativity or is supporting others to be creative.
Excellence in Creative Health and Wellbeing
Fantastic creative activity that helped people feel better in their body and/or mind.
Champions of Equality and Social Justice
Making change and creating opportunities for equality and diversity to thrive.
Our Planet: Action on Climate Change
Taking action to positively benefit the environment and support climate change or raising awareness and encouraging others to act.
Igniting Creativity: Culture, Education and Talent Development
Doing great work supporting others to develop their learning, creativity, skills and talents.
Making it Happen: Best Business Partnership
A partnership that supports culture and helps it flourish in Manchester.
The Best Event
A brilliant creative or cultural event that deserves recognition.
The Best Performance
A standout performance, in any art form, that was amazing and captivated the audience.
The Best Exhibition
An arts or heritage exhibition that inspired and left a lasting impact on visitors.
Independent Creative Award
A person working independently in the creative sector who is inspiring and innovating through their artform and projects
Outstanding Storytelling
Creating compelling and relevant stories through word, film, digital media or other cultural forms
The Cultural Welcome Award
An organisation or venue that provides a great welcome to everyone; whether as audience members, visitors, or participants. This award is in association with the Manchester Evening News, with the winner chosen by a public vote over the summer.