Silver arts awards are presented to up-and-coming creative minds

A total of 26 of students were presented with either Bronze or Silver Arts Awards by Marton councillor Vikki Singleton, Blackpool Council’s lead member for arts, at a special ceremony at Blackpool Library last week.

Successful students achieved their awards with Blackpool Council’s arts service as part of the annual Arts Award programme.

The award, which is managed by Trinity College London in association with Arts Council England, recognises students who have worked hard to create their own artwork and develop their leadership skills through sharing knowledge with others and organising events.

Participating youngsters worked alongside professional artists to help develop their skills in performing arts, visual arts, literature, media and multimedia.

Some students specialised in dance while others focused on combined arts and promoting youth projects in the resort.

Bronze awards were handed out to 19 young people, which seven receiving shining Silver awards.

Families of the students, all aged between 12 and 17, were invited to the event to see the youngsters perform and receive their awards.

Coun Vikki Singleton said: “All of the students who have achieved this award have done fantastically well and this event was a celebration of their success and the hard work they have put in to get this far.

“The event was also an excellent opportunity for family and friends to see some of the tremendous work they do.

“Blackpool is a place where we encourage ambition and aspiration and we are particularly keen to celebrate our young people and help them to realise that, with the right support and hard work, they can achieve anything they want to.”