The finalists for the Creative Edinburgh Awards have been announced.
The award is entering its fifteenth year celebrating Edinburgh innovation and boldness in the arts.
The award focuses on rewarding the “three key pillars of creative community”: people, places, and projects, all of which are integral to Edinburgh’s position as a hub for culture and creative opportunity.
Over 140 nominees have now been narrowed to just 32 across eight different categories: community, inclusion, collaboration, development, festivals, innovation, leadership, and student.
Finalist for the development award and alumna of the University of Edinburgh, Rachel Barlow, said to The Student on being nominated, “[it] came as a huge surprise…to think just how many creative people are here, I feel honoured to be a finalist”.
Barlow achieved a masters in Dance Science and Education at the University, and has since created a dance school “with positivity and love of dance at its heart,” to earn her spot as a finalist.
She offered advice to current student creatives: “embrace opportunities, be brave and follow your interests”
The award also showcases places and projects of creative excellence, such as HIV aloud, which is a creative writing project with Edinburgh Playhouse.
One student commented: “one of my favourite places in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Playhouse.. I’ve seen so many shows there over the years… it would be great for that to win.”
The winners from the shortlist will be announced at a ceremony in Central Hall on 13 November.
Image by Simon Peart for The Student
