Industry Update: Association for Cultural Enterprises Launches New Awards Showcasing Commercial Success and Best Practice Across the Cultural Sector
The Association for Cultural Enterprises is delighted to announce that entries are now open for the Cultural Enterprises Awards 2025. This year the Awards have had a major overhaul, with 14 brand new categories recognising innovation and success across all areas of cultural income generation, and the opportunity for all cultural organisations to enter.
In times of economic challenges and funding cuts, it has never been more important to share experience in commercial income generation as widely as possible. The Cultural Enterprises Awards are the only industry awards that recognise commercial innovation and success, as well as best practice in environmental sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion. For the first time, entries are open to all arts, heritage and cultural organisations, including those that are not currently members of the Association – creating even more opportunities to showcase success, inspiration and best practice across the sector.
The Awards cover all areas of commercial activity across 14 categories including catering, ecommerce, events, filming, licensing, marketing, publishing, retail, ticketing, venue hire and visitor experience. Awards will also be given for Rising Star, Team of the Year and Sector Support Partnership of the Year.
The Awards will be judged by a panel of well-known and highly respected industry experts from across the cultural sector and beyond, all chosen for their extensive experience and knowledge. The process to enter is simple and time efficient, with one easy to complete form and three straightforward, evidence based, questions to answer.
Cultural Enterprises CEO Gordon Morrison said, “A primary aim of the Association for Cultural Enterprises is to shine a light on commercial excellence within the cultural sector. Our awards provide us with the perfect platform to both recognise and celebrate success and I would urge any organisations in or connected to the cultural sector who have a positive story to tell around commercial innovation, positive collaboration, great people or excellent service to enter. Commercial income is increasingly vital for the cultural sector and these new awards will help us to showcase the brightest and best innovations, the most passionate and inspiring people and the very best venues from within our membership and beyond.”
All types and sizes of arts, heritage and cultural organisations are encouraged to enter. Cultural Enterprises member organisations can enter for free, while non-members will pay a small entry fee.
Entries will close on Friday 17 January 2025, and the shortlist will be announced in early February. The winners will be announced at the premier social event in the Cultural Enterprises calendar, the Awards Party at the Museum of Liverpool on 12 March 2025, during the Cultural Enterprises Conference.
Find out more about all the award categories, judges and how to enter at culturalenterprises.org.uk/awards
