FINALISTS for the first annual York Culture Awards have been revealed, with organisers saying they are set to raise the bar of the city’s cultural scene.

More than 100 entries were received for the awards, which have been created to celebrate excellence in the city’s arts and culture sector and reward outstanding innovation, creativity and quality.

A panel of independent judges has whittled them down to 32 finalists, who will attend the ceremony on December 1 at Central Methodist Church, sponsored by York-based health and wellness provider, Benenden, York born actor Mark Addy, who is patron of the awards, said: “I’m thrilled to see such a wonderful variety of work has been submitted; everything from dance, to music, theatre, writing and film.

“ It’s never easy to choose one entry over another, especially when the quality of the entries has been so high.”

Jane Lady Gibson, Chair of Make It York, said, ‘York is a city rich in culture like no other and these new awards have been launched to celebrate this.

“The quality and sheer variety of entrants demonstrates the wealth of cultural activity happening right here in York.”

York Press:

Finalists in the 11 categories include York Museums Trust, Acomb Primary School, Fulford School, City Screen, York Shakespeare Project, York Open Studios, the Pantomime by York Theatre Royal, the Festival of Ideas and Mystery Plays by York Minster.

Lawrence Christensen, of Benenden, said: “We’ve been so impressed by the high quality of all the award entries which really reflect the diverse nature of York’s cultural sector and how much innovation and creativity is going on around the city.

“The awards are a great opportunity to highlight the fantastic work that is happening.”