Recognition That Belongs to a Community

There’s a moment when something that has been built quietly, often without much attention, is brought into the light. That was the feeling at Wallasey Town Hall this week.

Wirral Award 2025 — honoured to receive this alongside Mayor Brian Kenny and the Mayoress, representing New Brighton Creative Futures and everyone behind it.

I was honoured to receive a Wirral Award. It carries my name, but it does not belong to me. It reflects the work of New Brighton Creative Futures and, more importantly, the people behind it. The artists who have committed their talent to the town. The volunteers who have given their time. The supporters, donors and sponsors who have backed the idea and helped turn it into something tangible.

This recognition is shared.

New Brighton Creative Futures was never intended to be a campaign or a short-term initiative. It was set up to do something practical and lasting. Improve the town through visible cultural work. Start with murals, not as decoration but as markers of intent. Something that signals care, creates identity and gives people a reason to stop, look, and feel something about the place they live in.

From there, the work builds. Restoration where things have faded. New commissions where there are gaps. Bringing artists into the town and giving them a platform. Creating a sense of continuity rather than isolated efforts.

It is slow work. It requires consistency. And it only works if people believe in it enough to contribute.

That is why this kind of recognition matters. Not as a trophy, but as a signal. It shows that the work is being seen. It gives confidence to those already involved and makes it easier to bring others in. Conversations with partners become simpler. Support becomes easier to secure. Momentum becomes more achievable.

So while the award is formally given to an individual, in reality it belongs to a collective effort that is still growing.

I want to thank the Mayor, the Mayoress, the Mayor’s team, and the wider civic team for the recognition and for the way the event was handled. It was thoughtful and it reflected the importance of the people being recognised.

Most of all, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to New Brighton Creative Futures so far. This is your work.

Nothing changes in approach from here. The focus remains on delivering work that is visible, grounded and relevant to the town. Keep building. Keep restoring. Keep creating reasons for people to care about New Brighton.

More people are paying attention now.

That creates opportunity.