VOTING opens today for the coveted People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.

6 finalists are in the running for the title which is awarded to an individual or organisation for their Outstanding Contribution to Culture.

The poll, which last year attracted more than 3,000 votes, is held online and is open for 4 weeks. It is the only category in the awards which is chosen by the public.

The nominees are:-

The Bluecoat

Bluecoat is Liverpool’s contemporary arts centre, a working home for artists, and a place where audiences can experience art in new ways. 

With a City centre location and striking, Grade I listed building, the Bluecoat offers a dynamic programme of exhibitions, events and an award-winning programme for families and children. To find out more, click here.

Karen Yates - Salt & Tar

Karen leads Salt and Tar - a major outdoor event venue on Bootle’s canal side which has become the catalyst to the town’s wider regeneration plans. Her mission is to change preconceptions, increase footfall, and positively impact the local economy as well as the quality of life for the community. To find out more, click here. 

The Flower Streets Mural Project

The Flower Streets Mural Project, led by dot-art and artist Madeleine Pires for Culture Liverpool, transformed Kirkdale with 11 murals inspired by floral street names. Through workshops and community collaboration, it tackled anti-social behaviour, fostered pride, and revitalised the area, leaving a lasting legacy of beauty, unity, and safer streets. To find out more, click here. 

DaDa - Disability and Deaf Arts

DaDa is a pioneering disability and deaf arts organisation based in Liverpool with international reach and impact. Now in their 40th year, it was one of the first disability-led arts organisations in the UK and integral to the campaign for equality and access for disabled people. To find out more, click here. 

Writing On The Wall

Writing On The Wall is a dynamic, Liverpool-based social enterprise, which celebrates writing in all its forms and promotes and supports equality, diversity and inclusion through year-round writing development projects and an annual month-long literature festival. To find out more, click  here. 

Shakespeare North Playhouse

A 10-year vision came to reality in Summer 2022 when Shakespeare North Playhouse opened its doors. Artists, audiences, and communities come together at the venue to share in world-class theatre, activities and conversations inspired by Shakespeare but that feel like their own stories that change the way we see the world. Bold and brave – this is our Shakespeare North Playhouse. To find out more, click here.

Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade said:- “The Liverpool City Region is a cultural and creative powerhouse so it's no surprise our 6 People's Choice finalists are of the highest quality, making a huge difference to people’s lives and the communities they work in. They are leaders and pioneers that have dazzled with their ingenuity, talent, determination and foresight. But they are not alone: the same can be said of all our shortlisted entries and countless others that are helping drive our economy and make our City region the best place to grow up, grow a family and grow a business. We think all our People's Choice finalists are champions but it's up to you to choose the winner!”

The People’s Choice finalists are among 54 entries shortlisted for the awards by an independent judging panel across 15 categories.

Joining that panel for the first time this year was Maleka Egeonu-Roby who is a previous People’s Choice winner. She said:- “I can’t emphasise enough how much your votes mean to those nominated for this fantastic category. To be the recipient of an award which has been chosen by the public is not only a great honour, but it has a much deeper significance when it’s been decided by the people who have seen or experienced the benefits of the project you were part of. I would encourage as many people as possible to vote for the 6 projects you feel have creatively contributed to culture in the Liverpool City Region this year.”

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Billy Hui BEM DL in March at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion in Wirral, this year’s Borough of Culture.

Made possible through Mayor Steve Rotheram’s ongoing commitment to cultural activities across the Liverpool City Region, the 15 categories range from Inspirational Young Person to Outstanding Achievement, and celebrate the City region’s world-class creativity and cultural assets.

They celebrate the individuals and organisations helping drive the city region’s thriving cultural and creative sector and recognise their contribution to education, health, business, innovation, community cohesion and the environment.

Anyone can vote for the People’s Choice Award, including for more than 1 candidate, but multiple votes for the same person or organisation cannot be sent from one email address. The vote closes on:- Friday, 7 Feb 2025.

The 2025 event is sponsored by Liverpool One, The ACC Liverpool Group, The Guide, The University of Liverpool and 92 Degrees Coffee.

To place your vote and for more information on the People’s Choice finalists go to the official LCR Culture & Creativity Awards website.