Sky Arts has announced the nominees for its new Arts Hero Award, as part of the Sky Arts Awards.
The new award aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes of the UK arts and culture community, and names have been nominated by people working in the arts.
The five nominees from Birmingham, Aberystwyth, London, Bristol and Edinburgh range from a singer supporting children on life support to an art technician mentoring young curators, and all have been recognised for their unwavering dedication and the profound impact they’ve made in the arts.
The new Sky Arts Awards will take place on 17 September 2024 at The Roundhouse in London, and are the only UK awards that reward excellence across all arts disciplines, including theatre.
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Arts and Freeview from 9pm on 17 September.
The Arts Hero Award nominees are Graham Johnson, a producer working with Tobacco Factory Theatres in Bristol; Linda Hogg, Head of Customer Services and Front of House at Capital Theatres in Edinburgh; Mikei Hall, Senior Art Handling Technician at Tate Britain in London; Sally Spencer, who is a singer with Ex Cathedra, and a children’s leukaemia nurse at Birmingham Children’s Hospital; and Yvonne O’Donovan, Administrator at Creu Cymru in Wales. Read more about the nominees, below.
The Sky Arts Awards have replaced the long-running South Bank Sky Arts Awards. The nominees for the awards were announced in July, with Theatre category nominees including new West End theatre @sohoplace, Welsh theatre The Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, and playwright Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy).
Nominees for the Times Breakthrough Award include playwright Ben Weatherill (Frank and Percy). See all nominations here.
The lifetime achievement award will be renamed the Melvyn Bragg Lifetime Achievement award, in honour of South Bank Show host Melvyn Bragg, who announced last August that he was leaving the show after 46 years.
Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, said: “We were incredibly moved by the nominations we received. Each story was a powerful reminder of the dedication, passion and often unseen work that goes into making our arts sector thrive. Selecting just five nominees was an immensely difficult task. Everyone put forward has made such a meaningful contribution. The Sky Arts Awards is our opportunity to celebrate these remarkable unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, making our cultural experiences possible.”
Previous winners of the South Bank Sky Arts Awards
Sky Arts Awards 2024 – Arts Hero Award nominees
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 in a statement: “To have my efforts recognised in such a public and meaningful way is incredibly moving. This nomination is not just a personal achievement, it’s 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. Linda’s 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 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 said: “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 said: “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 lullabies or engaging a teenager in a musical game. Singing medicine allows me to offer joy, relief and distraction to the children and their families. Our songs and singing-play aim to give them a little bit of control where often they have none. This nomination means a lot to me because it acknowledges the importance of what we do. It’s not just nice, it’s necessary.”
Yvonne O’Donovan, Administrator at Creu Cymru in Wales, has been the backbone of the organisation for over 22 years, supporting the performing arts across the country. As the longest-serving employee, she has seen the organisation grow from 33 to over 70 venue members. Yvonne’s tireless work behind the scenes has enabled tours, training and networking that have strengthened the arts sector in Wales. Her legacy will be a resilient arts community that benefits from the foundation she has helped build.
Yvonne said: “I’m not one for the spotlight, so this recognition is incredibly humbling. My role is varied – balancing budgets, booking tours, attending performances and managing our website. Every day brings something new, and I love the variety, but it’s the moments of genuine connection with our community that are the most rewarding. The arts are a lifeline, not just for the economy, but for our wellbeing.”
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