Liverpool City Region culture awards winners revealed

The winners of the 2025 Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards have been announced.

A young break dancer, Alder Hey's Arts for Health, and Kirkdale’s Flower Streets Mural Project were among those who received accolades at an awards ceremony held at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton hosted by Radio Merseyside’s Billy Hue.

The sixth annual awards, which are organised by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, saw more than 600 entries across 15 categories, with 54 shortlisted finalists chosen by a panel of judges.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “Each year, these awards help highlight the incredible and emerging talent that make our region truly stand out as the UK’s cultural and creative capital. Whether it’s catching a play, enjoying a gig, looking on or taking part, culture is at the heart of everything we do.

“When we set up these awards, it was to say a huge thank you to the inspiring individuals and businesses that make our area so special. I'm excited for another night of celebration, where we’ll recognise those who enrich our lives every day and continue to put the Liverpool City Region firmly on the map as the epicentre of culture, innovation, and creativity."

The winners were:

Artist/Creative of the Year – Tess Gilmartin

Arts Organisation of the Year – Make CIC

Borough of Culture Star of the Year – Andrew Shaw and Ryan Gauge of Convenience Gallery CIC

Business in the Arts – Focal Studios

Community Cohesion Award – Tiber Young Producers

Environmental Award – Open Eye Gallery

Health and Wellbeing Award – Alder Hey Arts for Health Programme

Improving Education and Learning Award – The Builder Book Planet Pack Project

Innovation Award – Butters Innovation Ltd

Innovator of the Year Award – Carl Grainger

Inspirational Young Person – 11-year-old break dancer Khalil Aydemir

International Reach Award – Francisco Carrasco/Luma Creations

People’s Choice Award – Flower Streets Mural Project

Preparing for Work Award – Care Leavers Into Careers (CLIC)

Above: Karen Gallagher. Middle image: 11-year-old break dancer Khalil Aydemir. Top: The Flower Streets Mural Project.

Meanwhile the Judges Inspiration Award, recognising an individual’s lifelong creative contribution, was presented to producer, artistic director and creative consultant Karen Gallagher.

“I was overwhelmed to be considered for this award. Engaging with people to provide access and support to culture and creativity as well as finding new ways of reaching communities has been the cornerstone of my work over the last four decades.

“These awards are recognising how instrumental culture and creativity is in inspiring others, facilitating change and creating a social sense of belonging. Congratulations to everyone involved this year.”