Nominees announced for new Sky Arts Hero AwardBehind-the-scenes champions of arts and culture from Birmingham, Aberystwyth, London, Bristol and Edinburgh, celebrated as part of the inaugural Sky Arts Awards this SeptemberTuesday 3 September 2024
Sky has today announced the nominees for its Arts Hero Award, a first-of-its-kind category for the new Sky Arts Awards. The ceremony, taking place on 17th September at The Roundhouse, will celebrate the diverse and vibrant landscape of British and Irish arts and culture, rewarding excellence across all arts disciplines. The event, which will air on Sky Arts and Freeview, will be a showcase of the immense talent and dedication that fuel the arts industry - including the behind-the-scenes heroes whose efforts are integral to the success of the arts and culture scene.
Sky Arts invited the arts community to nominate their unsung heroes earlier this summer. Following an overwhelming response, they can now reveal the five nominees for the Arts Hero Award. From a singer who supports children on life support to an art technician who mentors young curators, these extraordinary individuals were selected by the judging panel for their unwavering dedication and profound impact on the arts, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of countless productions, exhibitions and performances.
Meet the nominees for the Arts Hero Award:
Graham Johnson, Producer working with Tobacco Factory Theatres in Bristol, who is known for developing emerging producers and advocating for wellbeing in the arts industry. Through the Blueprint training and mentorship, Graham has provided essential support to emerging artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Graham's dedication to creating a kinder, more accessible arts environment has had a lasting impact on those they mentor, making them a crucial figure in supporting new talent and promoting mental health in the arts.
Graham said: To have my efforts recognised in such a public and meaningful way is incredibly moving. This nomination is not just a personal achievement, its a reminder that the work I'm passionate about genuinely matters - supporting the next generation of producers and making the arts more inclusive and accessible. It fuels my commitment to continue striving for a more compassionate and supportive arts community, where the impact of our work resonates beyond the immediate projects and creates lasting change. The arts hold a unique power to make people feel seen, understood and valued.
Linda Hogg, Head of Customer Services and Front of House at Capital Theatres in Edinburgh, has dedicated 30 years to enhancing the Scottish arts sector. Known for her exceptional work ethic and kindness, Linda has created a welcoming atmosphere at Capital Theatres, earning high praise from audiences and colleagues alike. Her contributions extend beyond the theatre, including volunteer work during COVID and personal acts of kindness. Lindas leadership and attention to detail have left a lasting mark on Edinburgh's cultural scene.
Linda said: When I heard about the nomination, I was genuinely touched. Every day in this role is a mix of challenges and rewards, and to have that dedication acknowledged is heartwarming. It's not just about me, though - it's about the entire team that makes the magic happen. This nomination feels like a win for all of us.
Mikei Hall, Senior Art Handling Technician at the Tate Britain in London, has spent over 30 years at the gallery, where he has become a beloved and highly respected figure. Mikei has worked on numerous exhibitions, including more Turner Prize exhibitions than any other technician, and is celebrated within the artistic and curatorial community as someone who can provide advice and support in any situation. Mikei is also incredibly passionate and vocal about supporting the new generation of artists and curators and puts particular energy into the mentorship of young people of colour.
Mikei commented: To me, this nomination represents not just my work, but the efforts of many behind the scenes who often go unrecognised. It's about acknowledging the value of every role in the arts, from the technicians to the volunteers. My journey, coming from a humble background and facing barriers in the arts, now feels like it might inspire others who see that their contributions matter. This award is a step towards breaking down barriers and showing that everyone, regardless of their background, can make a meaningful impact in the arts."
Sally Spencer, who is a singer with Ex Cathedra, and a children's leukaemia nurse at Birmingham Children's Hospital for nearly 25 years. She was the driving force behind Ex Cathedra's Singing Medicine project, which she continues to co-lead 20 years later. The project brings singing for wellbeing to children in hospital, including those who are extremely vulnerable in protective isolation. During the pandemic, Sally and the Singing Medicine team created thousands of personalised music videos for children when in-person visits were not possible. Sally brings together her extensive nursing experience with her passion for music to her leadership and compassionate support of the Singing Medicine team enabling them to work in what can be distressing situations, such as delivering singing sessions at end-of-life care. Sally was integral in adapting Singing Medicine to support adults affected by stroke and dementia, making a significant impact in these areas as well.
Sally shared her reaction to being nominated: I'm truly honoured, but this recognition really belongs to the whole Ex Cathedra Singing Medicine team. Every week, we go into the hospital to bring music and singing-play to children, responding and adapting to their needs - whether it's soothing a newborn with lullabi
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
23/08/2026
Offers up to 10 bands of compression
Parish Audio's latest release allows users to place individual compressors anywhere in the frequency range, but tak...
21/08/2026
Hardware-style timing shifts for software instruments
Following on from the release of Omniclock, Rapid Flow have launched a new sequencer plug-in that can ...
21/08/2026
Highly anticipated synthesizer ships in October 2026
Iceland-based Love Synthesizers have announced that their highly anticipated synthesizer is now availab...
21/08/2026
Masterpiece PBS The Forsytes has expanded its cast as its begins production in ...
21/08/2026
The BBC has unveiled first-look pictures from The Witch Farm, a new ghost story and mystery set in the Welsh countryside, coming soon to BBC iPlayer and BBC One...
21/08/2026
The BBC and BritBox have revealed the first look of Edward Bluemel as Hercule Poirot in the forthcoming six-part series Hercule from Mammoth Screen and Agatha C...
21/08/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
21/08/2026
** MEDIA ALERT **
VIZ Media Takes Over Anime NYC with BLEACH, BLACK TORCH, M...
21/08/2026
Tell us a little bit about your job I'm a Marketing Manager and work across a mix of clients and projects. No two days are ever quite the same, which defini...
21/08/2026
Beat The Lotto dives into the plot behind the 1980s National Lottery scandal
24 August 2026 at 9:35pm on RT One and RT Player
Beat The Lotto is the story o...
21/08/2026
The countdown to the most wonderful night of the year has officially begun!
Host Patrick Kielty is gearing up for another unforgettable Late Late Toy Show nig...
21/08/2026
Meet puppet duo Bellie and Whizz, who are about to explore all the big feelings ...
20/08/2026
Set up your own private remote collaboration infrastructure
SoundBridge have recently put together a tutorial video that provides users with a step-by-step ...
20/08/2026
New V-Control Pro features restore basic functionality
Neyrinck's V-Control software has long been keeping older Avid control surfaces compatible with n...
20/08/2026
TV, BritBox and Mammoth Screen have announced that filming is now underway on th...
20/08/2026
Thursday 20 August 2026
Nina Sosanya, Rizzle Kicks, Roman Kemp and Paul Whiteho...
20/08/2026
Wuppertal August 20, 2026
Transformation Church Elevates Production Communicat...
20/08/2026
The music between the notes Coming together In the middle of 2026, as conversations around artificial intelligence continue to raise questions about how musi...
20/08/2026
Arvato Systems Brings Together Digital Transformation Leaders in the Manufacturi...
19/08/2026
Studio owners invited to have their say on rates cuts
The Music Producers Guild (MPG) are inviting UK-based studios to take part in an in-depth survey that ...
19/08/2026
Vintage-inspired desktop interface revealed
Harrison's latest hardware offering sees them head into the world of audio interfaces, delivering a 10-in/12...
19/08/2026
Granular effect remains locked to scale and tempo
Described as your dream granular effect , Minimal Audio's latest creation is capable of turning any s...
19/08/2026
First polyphonic SWAM instrument incoming
Audio Modeling's latest physical-modelling orchestral instrument is just around the corner, and is now availab...
19/08/2026
There's an early Christmas gift for Bookish fans, as UKTV confirms the re-commission of the hit U&alibi drama, created by and starring Mark Gatiss. Viewers ...
19/08/2026
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Sky gives sports fans the chance to watch multiple liv...
19/08/2026
On Saturday September 5 Katie Taylor will step into the ring for the fight of her life against Flora Pili in front of 80,000 fans in Croke Park. A legendary fig...
18/08/2026
Company launch with stereo-imaging tool
Panoramic is the debut release from Panorama Labs, a new company formed by mastering engineer Nicholas Di Lorenzo. C...
18/08/2026
Control software now available for older interfaces
Focusrite have just announced the launch of an update that extends Control 2 software support for their ...
18/08/2026
Tuesday 18 August 2026
Sky Sports and The Fast and the Curious announce new partnership
Sky Sports and The Fast and the Curious have announced a new long-term...
18/08/2026
Wuppertal August 18, 2026
Riedel Brings Professional Live Production Into the Classrooms of ECURiedel Communications today announced that Edith Cowan Universi...
18/08/2026
Apple today announced changes to its business terms for apps in the European Uni...
18/08/2026
THE HEALY RAES: BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS AIRS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19 ON RT ONE AT 9:35PM
A new documentary The Healy-Raes: Blood, Sweat & Tears airs on RT One and ...
18/08/2026
Stunning Irish performances at European Athletics and Swimming Championships rea...
18/08/2026
The two-part series begins Sunday 23 August at 6.30pm on RT One and RT Player
...
17/08/2026
New MIDI processor & macro controller revealed
SHIK have announced that they have opened pre-orders for the S32, a standalone MIDI processor and macro contr...
17/08/2026
Cover extended on innovative motorised pot system
Melbourne Instruments have just revealed that the innovative motorised pot system used in their synths and...
17/08/2026
Latest firmware version now available
1010music have just released a free firmware update that brings some nice new features to their renowned Bluebox digit...
17/08/2026
Rohde & Schwarz showcases integrated defense and test solutions at DALO Industry...
17/08/2026
Calrec's ImPulseV Virtualised Audio Mixing Engine joins NEP Platform, the industry's largest ecosystem of trusted production software, bringing scalable...
17/08/2026
Visitors to IBC 2026 will see how FilmLight is reshaping the modern post pipelin...
17/08/2026
Visitors to Stand 1.C41 can explore innovations in areas such as addressable advertising, hybrid distribution, managed services and operational simplification.
...
16/08/2026
Virtual drummer joins line-up
The latest release from Gospel Musicians adds a virtual drummer to the company's line-up, combining a pair of meticulously...
15/08/2026
In-ear monitoring line-up gains new universal models
In-ear monitoring experts JH Audio have just announced a significant expansion of their Universal-Fit r...
14/08/2026
Latest instalment delivers disco-inspired grooves
The latest addition to UJAM's virtual drum line-up has been designed with contemporary pop, disco, dan...
14/08/2026
Elite range gains giant 24-inch powered sub
The latest expansion of Yorkville's Elite range introduces what the company say is the world's first act...
14/08/2026
Friday 14 August 2026
Breaking news! Sky releases trailer for The Paper, return...
Nominees announced for new Sky Arts Hero AwardBehind-the-scenes champions of arts and culture from Birmingham, Aberystwyth, London, Bristol and Edinburgh, celebrated as part of the inaugural Sky Arts Awards this SeptemberTuesday 3 September 2024
