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Why entering the Kent Creative Awards matters

Firstly, keep in mind that promoting your entry to an Award makes you do things that you would do anyway in your practice  (such as reflecting on your practice and being proactive promoting it) so it is not without value. 

Then, the benefits include:

  • Writing your application is a very useful exercice that makes you think about what you do, why you do it and what your goals are. It helps you get a clearer picture of your work.
  • It builds confidence. First, you need to get yourself out there: face your doubts and put together your achievements. Believe in yourself. People will respect the fact that you believe in what you do.
  • Awards generate buzz. A buzz about you and about your work. You can use it to tell your story. And it’s not just about finalists and winners, but also partners, sponsors, clients, audiences, etc…
  • It is an opportunity to offer exposure to people you work with, mentioning them in your communication. It’s a thoughtful gesture and it helps build stronger relationships with your partners. When they acknowledege you and engage in your communication, it provides you with a better endorsement ..
  • It boosts your social media presence.
  • Being a finalist is super great. Winning is an amazing feeling. It shows you are capable of doing something special.
  • Certificates and trophies in your office or studio become part of your world. The recognition of your work will be a subject for future conversations. You are making your mark.
  • The Kent Creative Awards ceremony is a meeting place, a focal point for the creative sector in Kent, giving opportunities to engage with your professional community and influencial people and organisations.

 

What some of the 2016 Winners say:

Kate Linforth  – 3D art and objects : “It was fantastic to know that my work was appreciated not just by those who took part in the project but a wider audience felt it deserved recognition. The reward helped towards the introduction to the relief of gallery who now houses some of my works and also link to me to some other people who may be helpful for future projects. I have used the logo in the recent correspondence and feel that it may add a little gravitas when planning to open calls etc – I have recently been accepted to exhibit at the current LifeDeathWhatever exhibition in  he National Trust’s Sutton House, Hackney. I will continue to use the logo in correspondence for the next few months as I feel it can only be a positive and message me out amongst others. The  art world is very competitive and sometimes the art created is not enough to get an artist noticed. Having such an accolade can only be a positive when you are trying to get your work noticed.”

Julia Groves – Visual Arts: “I am grateful to have won the award as it demonstrated that others are interested in my work and that my practice is appreciated. This is very helpful when I get those times of insecurity. Winning the award has a ripples – not sure where they are going – but it was a significant event for me this year.”

Genetic Moo – Audio Visual: “Winning awards is always important, especially when you are an artist working in ways unfamiliar to many. We use computers, code and graphics to create immersive and interactive video installations which are typically exhibited in shopping centres, libraries and museums. Winning the Kent Creative Audio Visual Award was a confidence boost as it gave us proof there is interest in what we do. Since winning the Award we refer to ourselves as ‘award winning artists’ as opposed to just ’emerging’ artists and we are sure that this has movated people to commission us. It is great to have recognion for what we do, especially from our home county. This award not only encourages us to carry on exploring digital art and its potential, it endorses digital technology as a valid medium.”

Deal Festival – Event of the Year: “We found that winning the award had a very positive effect on everything we did whether locally or nationally We gained the ACE Catalyst Evolve for future development and working with young people with our pTrumpets and pBones and it was great to advertise our win in the application. We have found it very productive for marketing and gave us added recognition further afield. It was also very important in our dealing with Artists and Funders It gave us assurance of how other see our work.”

Dover Arts Development – Arts Organisatin of the Year: “The award came at a brilliant time, just before a major DAD event in Dover’s Town Hall: INSPIRATION = DOVER. The event opened with speeches from Charlie Elphicke MP, Sarah Dance from Culture Kent and Chris Mellor from the Arts Council. We were able to announce the award to all our guests and we received public congratulations from our VIPs. The award was also well-timed as 2016 is our 10th anniversary year and we are embarking on a new phase for DAD. The recognition through the award has boosted our confidence and the confidence of others in us and supported our ambition for the arts in Dover.”

Leah Thorn – Creative Champion: “The bigger the benefit has been making new contacts. After your intro to Tracie Peisley (thanks again!) I had a “Older Women Rock!” Pete in the Skin exhibition in Whitstable and she introduced me Pro to the profanity Embroidery Group. Two of them have already made pieces for the OWR! pop-up shop and on meeting them as a group around further collaborations. Invaluable development for me as an artist.”