Councillor Morris won the award in the category ‘Best Local Authority Arts Champion – Councillor’ for consistently championing Bolton’s local arts scene during his tenure as Council Leader, and in particular for his support of the town’s cultural venues the Octagon Theatre, Albert Halls and the Bolton Museum.
Four Hearts For The Arts Awards are given out each year by NCA as part of our campaigning work for greater public investment in the arts to improve the lives of people across the UK.
The awards, delivered by UK Theatre, were created to thank and celebrate the work of Councils, Councillors and Council Officers who have overcome financial challenges to ensure the arts stay at the centre of community life. This year the campaign received more nominations than ever before and from all four UK nations. Find out more
The nominations were judged by an esteemed panel which was comprised of: Samuel West (Chair of the NCA), Rachel Wood (Arts Development Officer, Oldham Borough Council and 2017 winner), Roy Williams OBE (Playwright and NCA Board Member), Phillip Pullman CBE (Author), David Lan (Playwright and Director), Josie Long (Comedian) and Maria Balshaw CBE (Director of Tate).
NCA Chair Samuel West said:
‘Bolton has a rich and shining history of cultural brilliance. We are delighted to see the arts at the heart of policy and planning in the area. Continued investment in the Octagon, the Albert Halls and the Bolton Museum can only be a good thing for local people.’
The judges said:
“Councillor Cliff Morris knows that art and culture have a place in every part of civic life. He’s using his influence to improve the offer for everyone who lives in Bolton, and to make sure that arts and culture are contributing to the borough’s growth.”
Councillor Cliff Morris said:
“I am delighted to have won this award. The arts are an important part of Bolton – they bring a lot of benefit to our borough, and are at the heart of our communities. The Albert Halls restoration, investment in our hugely popular Bolton Museum and our commitment to transform the Octagon Theatre has set the foundations for many generations to come and I’m proud to have played an important part in these projects. This award represents a lot of dedication by many people and I’m delighted to accept it in recognition of the team effort and the passion for the arts and culture that we advocate in Bolton.”
Nominations for the 2019 Hearts For The Arts awards will open in September 2018.
Pictured above L – R: NCA Chair Samuel West; Cllr Cliff Morris & Bolton Mayor Cllr Elaine Sherrington
