I received a phone call one evening last week from the British Awards for Storytelling Excellence, BASE, explaining that I had been nominated for an award - the short list to be announced the next day...
Friday morning arrived and I tentatively checked their website to see if my name appeared on the list and there it was! Short listed in the Trailblazer category - an award to celebrate someone, not necessarily a storyteller who has pushed the boundaries of storytelling, reaching new audiences by embracing the new technologies available today.
Also short listed are publishers The History Press and the current Storytelling Laureate - Katrice Horsley. So some stiff, well established, highly respected competition there then - no pressure!
I am absolutely thrilled that my work has been recognised on a national level and feel highly honoured to be placed along side these elite.
BASE aims to highlight and promote the diverse range of exceptional performers currently working within the UK and the awards, now in their second year, are the perfect way to celebrate this traditional profession that has deep roots within our society and yet still remains relevant today.
The final decision is made by public vote so it would be wonderful if you could spare a little time and vote for me on their website, you will need to register to do this; do enjoy discovering the other performers and artists short listed.
To vote click on the link here
I recently collaborated with the first story teller laureate Taffy Thomas who kindly started a tale in a Storyboxes for The Coleridge Way. Taffy Thomas is short listed this year for Outstanding Male Storyteller. Other categories (amongst others) include Outstanding Community Project, Outstanding Female Storyteller, Outstanding New Comer and Outstanding Multi Arts Performance.
This short film explains how Storywalks work and was made as a taster for possible new walks on the Saltway in Kent.
The closing date for voting is the 1st October. There is to be an awards ceremony later that month which also promises to include a diverse selection of enthralling storytelling performances. I am really looking forward to attending this prestigious event - which in itself is reward enough.
As part of the forthcoming Porlock Literary Festival I will be at the Authors Day at Porlock village hall. The day starts at 11 am this Friday and closes at 3pm, which is a warm up for my Somerset Art Works festival, venue 23 at Number Seven, Dulverton.
Hope to catch up with you all there, and don't forget to vote, thanks.
Hope to catch up with you all there, and don't forget to vote, thanks.
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ReplyDeleteSorry, I don't work for MVF any more (must change that, sorry everyone!) but what I was trying to say was... Huge congratulations Chris, you and your project are so deserving of this award. Best of luck and keep up the good work! Katie
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie, really excited, and thanks for voting too, it's a public vote so you never know. But so chuffed to be short listed. Chris
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