Since 2017 the Heritage Angels Awards have celebrated and profiled the achievement of people-individuals, groups and communities in their projects and best practice to conserve, record, protect and celebrate heritage in Northern Ireland. The awards highlight the importance of heritage projects and work of the heritage sector to wider society, showcasing best conservation practice and construction in heritage work and skills. Overall, the awards aim to recognise and profile achievement of individuals, groups, and communities to inspire and increase activity to help conserve and protect built heritage.
Between 2017-19, UAH has hosted the Heritage Angel Awards Northern Ireland, during which time the Awards have inspired nearly 15,000 individuals to get involved, with celebrations held in Belfast, Derry-Londonderry and Armagh. Attracting over 233 Applicants; 42 Shortlisted; 29 Winners; 1,710 Attendees and 12,043 to take part in the Public Vote. The awards are presented by former BBC presenter Wendy Austin and complemented by Heritage in Song, the awards have seen the production of numerous pieces of bespoke songs, poems and prose by local artists.
UAH is delighted that the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Department for Communities have confirmed their continued for support the awards in 2021. Launching via an online event in April applications and nominations will be open through the summer, with the awards celebration taking place in November.
In addition to funding and partnership support from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, and the Department for Communities, the Heritage Angel Awards is produced in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Construction Industry Training Board, Architectural Heritage Fund, and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
More information on the upcoming launch to Heritage Angel Awards will be released soon. For updates please follow: ulsterarchitecturalheritage.org.uk/news and Ulster Architectural Heritage on social media. Follow @ulster_ahs on Twitter and @ulsterahs on Facebook and use the hashtag #AngelAwardsNI21
Andrew Lloyd Webber has said:
‘Protecting architectural heritage is a vital part of cultural life. Architecture is the most vulnerable art form and one that I have been passionate about all my life. I am delighted my Foundation can support the Heritage Angel Awards in Northern Ireland again in 2021 and help shine a spotlight on those who have made a significant contribution towards protecting the country’s heritage. By raising awareness of the impact individuals can have, our aim is to inspire others to get involved and work together to save and protect Northern Ireland’s heritage for our future generations.’
Deirdre Hargey, Minister for Communities has said:
‘I am delighted that my Department has been able to support this event via its Historic Environment Fund. As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that we take time to celebrate the efforts of those who have invested effort, passion, and money into our built heritage and of those who have quietly maintained historic buildings to a high standard.
Heritage can help reinforce our pride of place, contribute to our wellbeing, help tourism to recover, and allow skilled jobs to be sustained.
These awards help to show us what our community, at its best, can deliver. They are an important reminder of the potential that exists in this area as we prepare to face the challenges ahead.’
David Johnston, Chair of Ulster Architectural Heritage, outlines what the funding means to the organisation:
‘UAH is very grateful to the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation for providing this funding. The funding will help Ulster Architectural Heritage to renew and re-establish the Heritage Angel Awards in Northern Ireland. All the more appreciated in this – another exceptional year due to Covid-19. UAH is now working with the endorsement and support of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation to action the 2021 awards programme and garner additional partnership and funding support for this, the 2021 period. We look forward to once again celebrating the people of Northern Ireland and their achievements for heritage in 2021.’
