A CRICCIETH councillor has been named Best Arts Champion for her work with the community throughout the pandemic.
Cllr Ffion Meleri Gwyn has been named the winner of the Hearts For The Arts Awards 2022 by a panel of professionals in art, business and journalism, including Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Deborah Meaden and Samuel West.
The award will be presented at an online award ceremony on Monday, 7 March.
The annual National Campaign for the Arts awards recognise the UK’s unsung local authority heroes who champion the arts.
Nominations were received from across the UK and Cllr Ffion Meleri Gwyn has been selected as the winner of Best Arts Champion – Councillor, for her inspired leadership, advocating for creativity, and spearheading a range of creative and innovative projects, contributing to the wellbeing of the Criccieth community during a very challenging time for all.
Deborah Meaden, from Dragon’s Den said: “Cllr Gwyn is clearly passionate and committed and a much-loved member of the community and for good reason.
“She has used her own passion and talent for the benefit of her community, and you get a real sense of her direct involvement of all the projects highlighted.”
Cllr Gwyn said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have won this award which is a tribute to the amazing work and involvement of members of our community, from young to old in so many memorable projects.
“We are living in unprecedented times and it’s fantastic to be able to reach out through our varied creative initiatives to involve hundreds in our bilingual community. These projects have boosted the wellbeing of all of us.”
Dr Catrin Jones, Criccieth Town Council clerk, said: “Congratulations to Cllr Gwyn on winning this prestigious award in a very competitive field. In the time of Covid, Ffion, as an artist and as a councillor, has made the case for creativity in partnership by setting an example of how, despite all the necessary restrictions, it was and remains possible and beneficial to innovate and create and make art a community adventure. She’s provided inspired leadership on a range of creative and innovative projects, working tirelessly to engage with the community, encouraging people from all walks of life to take part. To successfully launch and accomplish a creative strategy, every council needs a Ffion.”
Rebecca Evans MS, minister for finance and local government said: “The fact that Criccieth benefited from such encouragement and support reflects her leadership, creativity, and energy during the pandemic. This success also attests to the support provided by Criccieth Town Council in facilitating and encouraging people to take part in the activities.”
Hearts For The Arts is a National Campaign for the Arts initiative delivered by the NCA in partnership with Community Leisure UK, Creative Lives, the Local Government Association, Thrive and UK Theatre.