Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Award for Civic Arts Organisations

Heart n Soul has won the main Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Award for Civic Arts Organisations. The aim of the award is to shine a spotlight on the vital role that arts organisations play in society.

We have been recognised for our work during the pandemic and our plans to build on what we have achieved so far in the future.

Over the past year we have explored a range of ways to stay connected to our community during this exceptional time. This has included creative packs, an online programme of taking part activities and events, new music albums and radio shows.

The £75,000 award will enable us to take what we have learnt to the next level and plan for the future. We want to create more leadership roles for people with learning disabilities and autistic people within the organisation. We also want to continue to explore trying new things, take risks and create space for more creativity and opportunity for everyone.

Mark Williams, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, Heart n Soul

“We are delighted to have won the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Award for Civic Arts Organisations. Over the past year we’ve explored different ways of staying connected to our community and it’s a fantastic endorsement to the way the Heart n Soul community and staff have responded to the pandemic. It’s a real opportunity for everyone to feel really proud about what we’ve achieved.”

Ono Dafedjaiye, Taking Part Assistant, Heart n Soul

“I’m really happy that Heart n Soul has won the Gulbenkian award. It means that Heart n Soul can do more work with people who have got a disability and Heart n Soul can reach out to a wider community.”

Robyn Steward, Arts Associate, Heart n Soul

“The award is important to me because Heart n Soul is a place where I belong and it means we can do even more work.”

Lilly Cook, Trustee, Heart n Soul

“More than anything it means someone truly believes in us and what we do. The award will open up lots of doors and will help us to carry on doing online work and reaching out to people even more widely.”