Final 2017 Hearts for the Arts Awards Winner Announced

What Next? and the National Campaign for the Arts have come together to create the Hearts for the Arts Awards, a new initiative to reward and thank Councils, Councillors and Council officers who are overcoming financial challenges to ensure the arts stay at the centre of community life.

Nominations were received for awards in four categories: Best Local Authority Arts Initiative, Best Local Authority Arts Champion - Councillor, Best Local Authority Arts Champion - Officer, and Best Local Authority Arts Project encouraging community cohesion.

The world-renowned judging panel comprised Assistant Principal (London) of King's College London and former Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Deborah Bull CBE, visual artist Bob & Roberta Smith, playwright and director David Lan, musician Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, comedian and writer AL Kennedy, and actor and director Samuel West.

Saturday 11 - Tuesday 14 February a winner has been announced daily at noon for each of the four categories.

The final award, winner of Best Local Authority Arts Champion - Councillor, announced at noon on Tuesday 14 February, is Councillor Wendy Simon from Liverpool City Council.

Councillor Simon has 35 years' experience in local government and is Assistant Mayor of Liverpool City Council as well as Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Events. Councillor Simon leads on the delivery of ambitious, ground breaking projects which put Liverpool at centre stage. Wendy also plays an active role as a Board member of Liverpool's major cultural venues, attending meetings, events and activities throughout the year. She is readily accessible and willing to give advice and support whenever she can and is a true friend of all of the cultural attractions she is responsible for.

One of our judges, Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, commented, "Cllr Simons has clearly overseen an immense range of strategies and initiatives that have raised the cultural impact for everyone in Liverpool."

Further details can be found at: http://forthearts.org.uk/hearts-arts-shortlist-councillor-wendy-simon-liverpool-city-council.