Fantastic for Families Awards: Shortlist Announced

Awards low res

The UK’s most family-friendly arts and cultural organisations have been recognised in the Fantastic for Families Awards 2019 shortlist

Thank you to all those who submitted entries to for this year’s Fantastic for Families Awards.

We’re pleased to announce that 24 arts and cultural organisations have now been shortlisted; recognised for their outstanding contribution to arts and culture for families during the last year.

Judged by a panel of experts from the creative sector, our Fantastic for Families Awards recognise the outstanding events that took place during 2018 and the exemplary family-friendly organisations and venues that welcomed families.

Deemed amongst the best in the country for their excellent family provision, winners will be announced at a ceremony in Liverpool on 11th February 2019. All arts and cultural professionals are invited to join us at this free ceremony and networking event.

Anna Dever, Family Arts Campaign Manager:

All of the organisations submitting for the awards are doing wonderful work to engage families and across generations, often with limited resources. It has been tough for our judging panel as all organisations clearly had innovative projects that are providing a fantastic service, but all of the shortlisted organisations have demonstrated a fantastic welcome and personal approach to visitors of all ages.

The Shortlist

Best Family Event

The very best family events of 2018 with genuine appeal and suitability for different age groups attending or participating together.

  • Bamboozle Theatre Company for Kelda’s Quest
  • Big Fish Little Fish for Fifth Anniversary Family Rave at Fabric
  • MK Gallery for Art and Us
  • Royal Collection Trust and Turquoise Mountain for Woodworking, Pottery and Painting
  • Southbank Sinfonia for Southbank Sinfonia’s Family Concert
  • Tate Exchange for 20 Days
  • The Whitworth for Playtime
  • Wild Rumpus for Just So Festival 2018
  • Yorkshire Sculpture Park for Hidden Forest Open Day

Best Family Welcome

This award covers all areas of the visitor experience including staff welcome, the venue’s facilities, and clear communication of relevant information, creating a smooth and positive experience for families.

  • artsdepot
  • darts (Doncaster Community Arts)
  • Liverpool Philharmonic
  • Mercury Theatre
  • St George’s Bristol

Best Family Venue

Suitability of the venue’s facilities for families, taking extra care to meet the needs of a wide range of families and provide a high quality of experience for those visiting the venue.

  • Brave Bold Drama
  • Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT)
  • National Maritime Museum
  • The Hullabaloo (The Hullabaloo)
  • The Point (Doncaster Community Arts)
  • Z-arts

Best Age-Friendly Welcome

Recognising outstanding provision for older family members, including staff welcome, communication and the venue and its facilities in accommodating the needs of older people.

  • Diving Museum
  • Fabrica
  • Sunderland Empire
  • The Lightbox
  • The Oddfellows

Audience Choice Award

Voted for by families via www.fantasticforfamilies.com from the 700+ UK organisations meeting the Family Arts Standards quality-mark.

To be revealed at the Fantastic for Families Awards ceremony on 11th February.

 

How to take part

If you’d like to attend the Fantastic for Families Awards Ceremony, you can book your free place.

To be in the running for next year’s Fantastic for Families Awards, register and add your events to fantasticforfamilies.com.

9 January 2019