Edenderry group wins major creative award in London
Edenderry community music group Acoustic Hearts was in London last night to collect a Creative Lives Award.
The group was Ireland runner up at the awards which celebrate the incredible achievements of groups and projects providing creative activity for people of all ages and abilities across England, Ireland/Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Acoustic Hearts has given older people in Edenderry a chance to make, play and share music on a regular basis, awakening new or lost musical skills and combating loneliness and isolation.
Representatives from the 13 winning groups attended an inspirational ceremony at Cecil Sharp House in London on Thursday to receive their awards. They received a framed certificate, cash prize and free access to Creative Lives’ training.
Creative Lives is a registered charity that champions community and volunteer-led arts activity.
Angi Ward from Acoustic Hearts said: “Winning a Creative Lives Award is a great acknowledgement and endorsement for our group to prove that it is never too late to reach for the stars! The award has filled both myself and our wonderfully diverse group with a powerful sense of achievement. This acknowledgement will only serve to boost confidence, reinforce friendships and further endorse our place in our community.”
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin said: “Many congratulations also to the Ireland runners-up, Acoustic Hearts in Edenderry, County Offaly, who have movingly shown the therapeutic value of singing, conversation and laughter. The stories of all the shortlisted groups are inspiring and heart-warming and it is wonderful to see what a positive difference is being made across the country by creative, enthusiastic volunteers.”
Robin Simpson, Chief Executive of Creative Lives said: “The Creative Lives Awards consistently reveal the extraordinary impact of volunteer-led creative groups. This year’s winners demonstrate - yet again - the vital role such groups play in building stronger, more resilient communities. At a time when so many are experiencing isolation and uncertainty, these groups offer a lifeline of connection, shared purpose and joy.”