Frequently Asked Questions
The Norfolk Arts Awards is a celebration of the very best of arts and culture from around the county, produced by the team behind the Autumn Festival of Norfolk.
VOTING PROCESS FAQs
How does the voting process work?
In January and February we invite arts industry professionals to provide suggestions for each award category, from which we draw up a shortlist. These suggestions are included on the voting form which opens to the public between April and May each year (exact dates will be published on our website in due course). The public may vote for any of the arts industry suggestions, or they may place a free vote for anyone else that they wish, as long as they fit into the eligibility criteria outlined below.
Who is allowed to vote?
Anyone may vote via our website by using the VOTE page and supplying their email address as validation.
How many times can I vote?
You may vote for one person, organisation, or project in each category. If you vote for more than one, only your first vote will be counted. If anyone votes twice, only their first vote will be counted. You may vote in as many categories as you like, but you do not have to vote in all categories.
Who can I vote for?
You may vote for yourself, your project, your staff, your venue: and you can vote for anyone else you’d like to lend your support to.
How are the winners selected?
The two highest scoring individuals or organisations in each of the award categories will be invited to accept the nominations as finalists and be profiled in the EDP & the Autumn Festival of Norfolk’s Guide, circulated across Norfolk from July to November each year.
The producers of the awards retain the right to add a further finalist in each category, if it is felt that there is not enough diversity, or inclusion, as well as inclusion of people from all four corners of the county.
Should a nominee not wish to accept the nomination, the next highest scoring nominee will be selected and invited to accept.
When will the winner be announced?
The winners will be announced in the Autumn. In the event of a tie, an award will be handed to both winners.
ELIGIBILITY FAQs
To be eligible for a Norfolk Arts Awards your project, organisation, or practise must be based in Norfolk.
For time-specific projects they must fall within the period of 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024 to be considered.
You must fit into one of our award categories, listed below:
AWARD CATEGORIES
There are 11 award categories that you can vote on as part of the Norfolk Arts Awards 2024.
For examples of previous winners please visit our Award Winners page.
THE BUSINESS AND THE ARTS AWARD
Sponsored Mortgages for Actors
This award celebrates a Norfolk-based business that has gone above and beyond to support local artists and projects.
THE THEATRE AWARD
Sponsored by The Garage
This award is for exceptional theatre whether that be a company, a venue, a project, or an individual.
THE VISUAL ARTS AWARD
In association with Art in Norwich
This award celebrates excellence in the visual arts world and can be any form of art from sculpture to photography, to painting or mixed media.
THE JARROLD NEW WRITING AWARD
Supported by the John Jarrold Trust
This award is for outstanding new writing, whether that be for an individual writer or playwright, a larger-scale project, or even an organisation that promotes new writing in Norfolk.
THE MUSIC AWARD
Sponsored by City College Norwich
This award is for brilliance in music in Norfolk whether for an individual singer songwriter, a band, choir, orchestra, or even a high school, college or university music department.
THE BROADCAST & MEDIA AWARD
Supported by the University of East Anglia
This award is for a broadcaster/presenter or media company, or publication that has delivered excellence.
THE JOHN HAWKSLEY DANCE & MUSICAL THEATRE AWARD
Sponsored by Jane Hawksley
This award celebrates distinction in dance and musical theatre whether that be dancers, choreographers, dance and musical theatre schools or teachers.
THE EDUCATION & COMMUNITY AWARD
Sponsored by Norwich Theatre
The Education & Community Award celebrates an arts organisation or project that does exceptional work to engage their community and offer a world-class education in the arts.
THE PETER BARROW BURSARY AWARD
An award for a young person aged 16-30 who is on a training course or in employment at the beginning of their career in the arts. 1x £500 prize.
THE PETER WILSON SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Recognition for an individual or organisation who has made a significant contribution to the arts in Norfolk.
THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
In association with the Eastern Daily Press
An award to celebrate a body of work of an individual who has dedicated their career to the arts in Norfolk.