The BHAC Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award for 2023 was held in the beautiful Grade 1 listed church of St Michael’s and All Angels, Brighton, on 13th November 2023. The ceremony was introduced and hosted by our Chair, Jane Osler.
This year we received nine 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 by encouraging participation in and enjoyment of the arts.
This year’s nominations were (in alphabetical order):
- ROSE KIGWANA, currently CEO Creative Future, previously with South East Dance
- SUZANNE HINTON, Brighton & Hove French Circle
- PIP AND BOB SAMPSON, Hurstpierpoint Players
- MAREK URBANOWICZ, Poetry for Pleasure
- STUART LONGLEY, Musical Director, Coastline Harmony
- NAOMI COLE, Assistant Musical Director, Coastline Harmony
- JOHN HIRD, Chairman, Dupont Art Club
- KARIN JANZON, Trustee and Lead on Public Sculpture, Hove Civic Society
And the Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award 2022 was given to:
RON COMMON, Southwick Players
Ron has been a member of SP for almost 30 years, and served on the committee in a number of positions. He has contributed to 78 productions in a multitude of different roles including acting, directing, producing and publicity to name but a few. Ron is also editor and an author of the monthly newsletter and has organised and maintained the SP archive which spans nearly 90 years.
Beyond his contributions to SP Ron has also driven further involvement and enjoyment of the arts to wider audiences through promoting and directing plays for the Worthing Theatre Trail, which gives free access to theatre for people living in and visiting Worthing. He is particularly active in supporting the development of young actors and new to theatre individuals of any age. He has also promoted the development of new writers and directors through rehearsed play readings.
We would like to extend our thanks to Caroline Earle and all the BHAC Trustees and committee members who work so hard to make events like this happen.