Industry Update: Cultural Enterprises Awards Recognise Innovation in Cultural Income Generation at a Critical Time for the Sector
The Association for Cultural Enterprises is delighted to announce its star-studded line-up of Winners in this year’s Cultural Enterprises Awards.
With current economic challenges and funding cuts within the sector, it has never been more important to recognise innovation in commercial enterprise and its vital role in sustaining the cultural sector. This year’s Awards attracted a record number of entries, resulting in an impressive shortlist of particularly high calibre entries showcasing innovation and best practice in cultural income generation.
The Awards cover all areas of commercial activity across 12 categories including retail, catering, publishing and events, and are judged by a panel of industry experts, all chosen for their extensive experience in cultural income generation.
All types and sizes of organisations from across the UK are represented among this year’s Winners, from the Natural History Museum, Historic Royal Palaces, the RNLI and the National Portrait Gallery to unique smaller venues like Kettle’s Yard, the South London Gallery and the Migration Museum.
The highly coveted Rising Star Award was presented to Katy Clinch, Retail Manager at the Migration Museum, which also scooped Best Shop. Katy’s talent, hard work and inclusive approach have taken the museum’s retail offer to the next level by developing strong relationships with designer makers and creating an accessible space for all.
Meanwhile, the Jill Fenwick Award for Outstanding Contribution, presented by the Association to an individual whose career has had a lasting impact on best practice in cultural income generation, was awarded to Bob Downie, Chief Executive of the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. This prestigious award recognises Bob’s role for more than 25 years as a tireless advocate for tourism and culture, inspiring and motivating the sector to push quality to the forefront of the agenda. As one of the most significant and highly respected figures in the sector, leading not one but two world class venues, and as an individual who is well known for his generosity in sharing insights and best practice with the wider industry, the judges were unanimous in their decision to present this award to Bob.
Cultural Enterprises CEO Gordon Morrison said: “Promoting commercial best practice within the cultural sector has never been more important given the urgent need for the sector to maximise income streams and identify new sources of money making. The Cultural Enterprises Awards are a brilliant platform to showcase commercial excellence within the cultural sector, and this year’s incredible winners offer a fantastic source of ideas and inspiration to help all types of cultural organisations maximise their income streams.
“We are truly delighted to present Bob Downie with the Outstanding Contribution Award. With a relentless focus on delivering the highest quality of experience, Bob has provided inspirational leadership not only for his own team but also to many individuals in the sector who have benefited from his knowledge and expertise.”
