Shortlist revealed for the best of North Devon’s culture movers and shakers

The shortlist for the Northern Devon Flourishing Culture Awards has been announced ahead of the 2026 ceremony.

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, March 13 at The Barnstaple Hotel.

The awards celebrate the people, groups and organisations who make a significant impact on the cultural life of the communities across North Devon and Torridge.

Organisers North Devon Council and Torridge District Council received a total of 200 nominations across 11 categories, with the shortlisted nominees selected by an independent panel.

There are plenty of familiar names in the line-up, with several making local news headlines during the past year and some that perhaps don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Councillor Mark Haworth-Booth, cultural partnership board representative for North Devon Council, said: “I would like to congratulate all of our shortlisted nominees.

“The range of individuals and organisations shows the outstanding creativity, commitment and community spirit which makes up the cultural scene across North Devon and Torridge. The sheer number and quality of this year's nominations shows just how much local talent we have.

“We are looking forward to shining a spotlight on those who are contributing so passionately and to celebrating their achievements at this year's ceremony.  Thank you to our sponsors for their help in making this happen.”

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, lead member for culture and community at Torridge District Council, added: “Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the talented artists, makers and cultural organisations who contribute so much to the creative life of Northern Devon.

“This is only the second time we have held a Culture Awards ceremony celebrating the region’s creative talent and it highlights just how much there is to celebrate.

“From artists and writers to heritage champions and creative innovators, the diversity and quality of creativity here is remarkable.

“Creativity and culture play a vital role in bringing communities together and celebrating the character of this special place. Northern Devon has an incredible wealth of talent, and it deserves to be recognised not only locally, but on a national stage.”

The nominations for the Northern Devon Flourishing Culture Awards are:

Flourishing Culture Award for Arts in Education, sponsored by North Devon College: Pilton Community Farm Project; Magical Tots; Centre Stage School

Flourishing Culture Award for Crafts: Amanda Muddimer of The Creative Hub-Barnstaple; Ceramics Academy CIC; Jennie Lamb

Flourishing Culture Award for Digital, Film and Moving Image, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: North Devon Moving Image CIC; Switchframe; Josh Tucker

Flourishing Culture Award for Diversity and Inclusion: SEND The Help CIC; The Pickwell Foundation; Ilfracombe Musical Memories

Flourishing Culture Award for Heritage, sponsored by Pearce Construction: Mike Teare for the Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour Project; Ilfracombe Museum; South Molton Museum.

Flourishing Culture Award for Innovation, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: Mrs Animation; Ecotribo

Flourishing Culture Award for Sport: Ilfracombe Rugby Club; The SMART Action Project CIC; Skate Molton CIC

Flourishing Culture Award for Literature: Barnstaple Library; Jane Lovell

Flourishing Culture Award for Performing Arts, sponsored by Landmark Theatres: Barnstaple Ladies Choir; Kook Ensemble; Harrison Wallace

Flourishing Culture Award for Rural and Community: Melissa Turnbull for hand:plant; Lucy Clark; Irene Jones for Games Galore Ilfracombe

Flourishing Culture Award for Visual Arts: Daniel Kehily-Jones for Silk Crystal; North Devon Arts; Olga Vynnyk