The BHAC Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award for 2025 was held at The Brunswick, Hove, on 10th November. The ceremony was introduced and hosted by our Chair, Jane Osler.
This event is very important to BHAC as it recognises the contribution and achievements of people who have given so generously of their time and expertise to promote and develop the arts in our area. Nominations for this award are made by our member groups and supporters who wish to show their appreciation for individuals who have made a difference.
This year we received 5 very deserving nominations of people who have worked hard to keep not-for-profit arts and culture in our city alive. Often working in their own time and behind the scenes, their efforts make a significant contribution to individual and community wellbeing.
The winner of the 2025 award
We are delighted to present the award this year to CHRIS DARWIN, Chairman and Concert Secretary, Nicholas Yonge Society. Chris is pictured above receiving the trophy from Jane Osler.
For over half a century, Chris has been a stalwart of classical chamber music in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas.
An early supporter of Strings Attached and a member of the committee in its early days, Chris maintains a Local Players Directory on the Strings Attached website. He has written many programme notes for the coffee concerts put on by Strings Attached in conjunction with Brighton Dome for many years, these are available for use free for non-profit activities and almost 300 such notes can be accessed on his website.
Chris is also involved with the Nicholas Yonge Society, a Lewes-based organisation which puts on international level chamber music concerts and is about to enter its 62nd season. Chris was for many years the society’s Concert Secretary, responsible for choosing and engaging musicians to play; he now combines this role with being the society’s Chairman.
Himself a talented violinist, Chris has nurtured young and older players alike, hosting regular gatherings at his home, and supporting many local concerts.
Our four wonderful runners up
CHRIS COOK, Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications Officer of Newhaven Art Club
Chris is recognised for his tireless work as Newhaven Art Club’s Marketing and Communications Officer, increasing the club’s connection to the local community and securing vital grants to facilitate this. He has organised many exhibitions and workshops; these events will be recorded in a book to be published in time for NAC’s 70th Anniversary next year.
MAREK URBANOWICZ, Poetry for Pleasure
Marek is nominated for his contribution to Poetry for Pleasure where he runs weekly meetings at the Cornerstone Community Centre. Each week a poet or themed poems are looked at via readings of their work with different hosts presenting the programme. Marek works indefatigably organising these events, from printing off the poems and programme, selecting readers and hiring the space.
MARGARET POLMEAR, Strings Attached
Margaret is a long-term supporter and patron of the arts locally. She is a founder member and Secretary of Strings Attached, and has worked since their inception to develop and establish regular performances in Brighton Dome, and to broaden awareness and access to chamber music in Brighton. She has always had a particular interest in support for young musicians.
PATRICK HARREX, Musical Director, Brighton & Hove Arts Orchestra
Patrick co-founded the Brighton & Hove Arts Orchestra (BHAO) in 2008 as an open access community orchestra with the aim for amateur players of all ages and abilities to experience playing classical music. As Musical Director, he has nurtured the community aspect of the orchestra, encouraging players’ development, and increasing numbers.
Patrick was unable to attend the ceremony, photo is courtesy of New Music Brighton’s website.
