NOMINATIONS are open for Carmarthenshire’s Celebration and Culture Awards 2022, and this year the search is on for individuals, groups and organisations that made a positive contribution to culture during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those who enrich our lives through music, arts, media, literature and heritage are recognised annually at these prestigious awards, organised by Carmarthenshire County Council.

This year there are no artform categories and the awards will shine a spotlight on those who made an impact through arts and culture during the pandemic.

Anyone living, working, or originating from Carmarthenshire who made a contribution to Carmarthenshire’s cultural landscape during 2020 or 2021 can be nominated for an award.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “The arts were one of the worst affected sectors during the pandemic, but at a time when people needed their spirits lifted our talented artists stepped up and provided.

“We should be under no illusion of the power of the arts to support people’s health and wellbeing – despite our theatres and studios being closed for such long periods, our artists found innovative ways to reach audiences.

“We look forward to seeing nominations from people who are grateful of the efforts these individuals, groups and organisations made during an exceptionally difficult period of our lives.”

People can nominate an individual, group or organisation online at tinyurl.com/DathluDiwylliant or call in at Carmarthenshire’s libraries and customer service Hwbs for support to make a nomination.

Nominations close on Sunday, January 23, 2022.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony at Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre on Tuesday March 8, 2022.

Due to the pandemic, the 2020 awards were postponed, but the 18 finalists from each artform category, plus two special awards – Young Talent and Outstanding Contribution to Culture – were selected and will be celebrated at the March awards ceremony.