Derby Theatre shortlisted for the Charity Awards 2024

Derby Theatre has been shortlisted in the Arts, Culture & Heritage category for Derby CAN (Creative Arts Network), a city-wide project which championed new ways of working to give creative voice to local communities, uncovering and celebrating local talent and telling unheard stories in unique ways.   

The Charity Awards, which announces its shortlist today (17 May), is the sector’s most highly regarded excellence recognition scheme. All 30 shortlisted charities this year have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders as having demonstrated best practice in leadership and management, from which other organisations can learn.   

Derby CAN, working with 47 city-wide partners (grown from an original group of 14) sought to address the imbalance in the arts sector, championing independent artists and giving voice to those communities that have historically been underrepresented or less engaged in the arts.  Through consultation and co-creative practice, the project engaged with communities, responding to their need and ambition.  Local people were supported to take the lead in creating work and programming events that they wanted to see.  Derby CAN reached 31,523 people across the city and resulted in high quality artistic work and more resilient cultural scene in the city.

Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director and Chief Executive at Derby Theatre said:  

“We are really proud of Derby CAN and the impact it has made for our communities, local artists and the cultural picture in our city.  At Derby Theatre community runs through the heart of our programme and our ambitions as a charity, so it is fantastic to be recognised by the Charity Awards for this incredible project that celebrates our city and the diverse communities within it. At the heart of this success is our partnerships with organisations, the community and stakeholders across the county and beyond.” 

The 10 category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner on Tuesday 9 July, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.  

The evening will be hosted by broadcaster and commentator Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, who will be joined on the night by a host of celebrities, representatives of the shortlisted charities, as well as leaders from Britain’s best known and best loved charities. 

Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media which organises the Charity Awards, congratulated Derby Theatre on making the highly-coveted shortlist. He said: 

“Every year we are astounded and inspired by the breadth and depth of work going on across the UK’s wonderful charity sector. But this year in particular we have noticed a real improvement in the professionalism of the entries, signalling that charities are more cognisant than ever of the need for good governance, strong leadership and effective management. 

“Everything that we do at Civil Society Media aims to help charities have greater impact, and for the last 23 years the Charity Awards has identified and celebrated the sector’s great work. Congratulations to all the charities on this year’s shortlist; in a year of record entries you ought to be very proud of getting this far. 

“I wish Derby Theatre and Derby CAN the best of luck on the night.” 

Peter Hugh Smith, chief executive at CCLA, Overall Partner of the Charity Awards, said: 

“Every year the Charity Awards serve as a moment for the sector to reflect and acknowledge the transformative power of compassion, determination and resilience. The awards amplify the voices of those making a difference, inspiring others to join in creating positive change. 

“We’re honoured to renew our role as the Charity Awards’ Overall Partner, championing the remarkable efforts of charities, large and small, right across the UK.”