North East Theatre Company reaches 2014 National Diversity Awards final
Open Clasp Theatre Company was
shortlisted for the Community Organisation Award for Gender at this year’s
National Diversity Awards in recognition of individuals and groups who have
made an outstanding contribution to their local community. The awards celebrate
positive role models, community organisations and businesses from the LGBT,
ethnic minority, age, gender, religion and disability communities.
Over 21,000 nominations were
received this year paying tribute to inspirational individuals and groups
nationwide that have dedicated their lives to enhancing the equality agenda.
Although the award was picked
up on the night by Working With Men – a London-based charity supporting male
activity, engagement and involvement - Artistic Director Catrina McHugh said, “No
one is a loser when it comes to the National Diversity Awards. The very nature
of this award is to celebrate the extraordinary work of those who have
demonstrated their devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in
today’s society. We were shortlisted out of 21,000 nominations, for me, the
very fact there are that many individuals and organisations with that aim, makes
us all winners. I am so proud of Open Clasp, it’s a brilliant organisation and
being shortlisted for a National Award values the women we collaborate with and
that is a prize in itself.”
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| Open Clasp production The Space between us Photo:Keith Pattison |
The Hurlingham Club, London played host to the prestigious black-tie event on
September 26th, honouring the outstanding achievements of grass root
communities nationwide. TV personality Brian Dowling returned to host the
ceremony alongside CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell. He said: “I am so
excited! I have witnessed the awards go from strength to strength and I am
always truly taken back by the humbling and uplifting stories of all the
nominees and award winners.”
The awards have gained a mass
of celebrity support from the likes of Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed and singing sensation
Misha B. Global technology giant Microsoft, Lloyds Banking group, which
operates the UK's largest retail bank, international accountants PwC, media
giants Sky and Secret Service MI5 were amongst sponsors backing the best of
British diversity at the UK's Largest Diversity Awards.
BAFTA award-winning actor Adam
Deacon added his support, “The National Diversity Awards exceed in bringing
people from all walks of life together. Their ability to highlight positive
role models and community organisations from underrepresented backgrounds is so
necessary in the fight for social justice.”
Paralympic gold medallist Giles
Long MBE commented, “As the country becomes ever more diverse it is
important that difference is recognised, celebrated and embraced as the
excitingly positive force for change that it is.”
In 2013, Open Clasp won the national Emma Humphreys Prize for
organisations for an outstanding contribution in raising awareness of violence
against women and children in their work. Open Clasp is an award-winning
women’s theatre company based in Newcastle
and works region wide and beyond. The company collaborates with women, works in
partnership with youth and community organisations. Recent productions include
The Space Between Us - "moving, funny and brilliantly acted...
thought-provoking and heart-warming." The Journal, and Swags &Tails -
"Open Clasp have the balls, the brains and above all, the sense of humour,
to tackle issues in a fresh and beguiling way." Metro
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| Open Clasp production The Space between us Photo:Keith Pattison |
Open Clasp makes truthful, risk taking and unforgettable
theatre from a female gaze to inspire new and young audiences. Our work is
informed by the lived experiences of women we work with and rooted in the
belief that theatre changes lives. Since 1998, the unheard voices of women have
been given a platform through collaboration, creating professional,
thought-provoking and award winning theatre. We know of no other organisation
that works the way that we do. In 2013, Open Clasp won the national Emma
Humphreys Prize for organisations for our contribution to raising awareness of
violence against women and children in our work.
On The Web:
Website: www.openclasp.org.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OpenClasp
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