On 12 January, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, along with King’s College London, announced the shortlist for their new award that celebrates the civic role of arts organisations in society.

The Whitworth successfully made it through applications to become one of ten shortlisted organisations, thanks to their hard work and ability to boldly reimagine their operations in order to put our communities first during the pandemic.

The Whitworth have rewritten their mission to respond to the extreme social inequities exposed by the pandemic, adhering to three key principles: learning through making and doing; creating a place of care, consideration, and community; and taking action. The Whitworth’s expanded online programme has engaged almost 300,000 people throughout the pandemic.

Andrew Barnett, Director of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch, said: “Up and down the country, arts organisations have been playing a pivotal role in sustaining our communities, providing connection, joy, and hope. The ten shortlisted organisations are each uniquely modelling what it means to have a civic role. Their approaches will inform and inspire the work of others at this challenging time.”

From this shortlist, The Award for Civic Arts Organisations will offer one award of £100,000 and two of £25,000, with the selection process due to take place in March 2021.

The Award is part of a suite of initiatives being supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in response to the pandemic. It is focusing on strengthening the arts and cultural sector to respond to urgent community needs, prioritise relevance, and become more inclusive and impactful.

Read more about the award and shortlisted organisations here.

Find out more about The Whitworth’s online programmes on the Whitworth website.