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ACVO News November 2024

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Oct 7, 2024

Aberdeen dance group Afristyle wins two awards at Creative Lives Awards Ceremony

An Aberdeen-based dance group is celebrating after being honoured with two Creative Lives Awards at a prestigious ceremony in London.

Afristyle Dance Club, which focuses on using dance, crafts, and storytelling to help children and young people build confidence and acquire new skills, was recognised at the event. The group also provides mentoring and wellbeing workshops for adults.

Representatives from Afristyle attended the awards ceremony held at Cecil Sharp House in London on Thursday, September 26, where groups from across the UK and Ireland were celebrated for their contributions to community arts.

The Creative Lives Awards, hosted by the charity Creative Lives, highlight the outstanding achievements of volunteer-led groups that engage people of all ages and abilities in creative activities throughout Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

Each nation had a winner and runner-up selected. Afristyle Dance Club, based in Aberdeen, was named the Scotland Runner-up and also jointly won the Celebrating Diversity Award.

Alongside their recognition, Afristyle received a framed certificate, a cash prize, and complimentary access to Creative Lives training programs.

Reflecting on the accolades, Afristyle Dance Club stated, “This recognition fuels our mission to inspire, empower, educate and uplift through the universal language of dance, bringing our vibrant culture to the world. It’s also a validation of the impact Afristyle strives to make in the lives of young people, using dance as a vehicle to strengthen our tenacity to keep nurturing creativity, inclusivity, and wellness in our community.”

Robin Simpson, Chief Executive of Creative Lives, commented, “The Creative Lives Awards consistently reveal the extraordinary impact of volunteer-led creative groups. This year’s winners demonstrate – yet again – the vital role such groups play in building stronger, more resilient communities. At a time when so many are experiencing isolation and uncertainty, these groups offer a lifeline of connection, shared purpose, and joy.”

Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture in the Scottish Government, also congratulated Afristyle, saying, “I’m very pleased to congratulate Afristyle Dance Club, the Scottish runner-up and joint winners of the Celebrating Diversity Award, on the work they do to improve lives through dance with children, adult women, and families, giving them opportunities to be part of a community, to feel valued, and realise their potential.”

For further information about Afristyle, visit www.creative-lives.org/afristyle-dance-club

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