Marsh Awards for Excellence in Visual Arts Engagement

The annual awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of those working in learning, participation and engagement within visual arts contexts in the UK and internationally. It celebrates the work of individuals and groups working in freelance, salaried and voluntary roles, who have brought the benefits of engaging in the arts to communities in 2022-23.

This year, Engage and the Marsh Charitable Trust particularly welcome nominations from grassroots organisations celebrating diversity and inclusion, and nominations for early career practitioners.

What do awardees gain from Marsh Awards?

• There are 3 awards – each winner or winning team will receive £500 to spend on their professional development:
  • Marsh Awards for Excellence in Visual Arts Engagement, 5 winners
  • Marsh Awards for Excellence in Visual Arts Engagement (International Award), 1 winner
  • Marsh Awards for Excellence in Visual Arts Engagement (Lifetime Achievement Award), 1 winner.

What’s involved in receiving an award?

• The awards will be announced and celebrated at the Engage Annual General Meeting, which will take place online on Wednesday 15 November 2023. Winners will be invited to attend.
• Winners will be invited to submit a short film or visual presentation about their work.
• A contribution of £100 be offered to each awardee towards supporting them to make the short film and attending the online announcement.
• Documentation of the award will include a description of the winners’ visual arts engagement work and achievements, alongside their short film.
• Each winner will be asked to complete a short feedback form in Summer 2024 to reflect on the impact of the award.

Who can be nominated for the awards?

• Colleagues at all stages of their careers, working freelance, in salaried positions or as volunteers.
• Colleagues working with organisations of all sizes.
• Individuals or teams.
• Nominators should be a colleague or a representative of an organisation who has worked with the nominee.
• It is not a requirement for the nominee to be a member of Engage.

Who can be nominated for the lifetime achievement award?

• Colleagues who have worked for a considerable time in learning or education, in or for galleries or visual arts organisations in the UK.
• Colleagues who are still working and those who have stopped working.
• Those who have worked or are working with organisations of all sizes.
• Those who have been working freelance, in salaried positions or as volunteers.
• Nominators should be a current or ex-colleague or a representative of an organisation who has worked with the nominee.
• It is not a requirement for the nominee to be a member of Engage.

For more information, visit Engage.