THE Court House in Bangor has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Lottery Project of the Year award.
Owned and operated by arts charity Open House, the non-profit arts venue on Bangor seafront has hosted events by 1,000 artists since it first opened last October, many as part of the Open House Festival.
The Court House is one of three organizations from the north to make the 17-strong shortlist for a public vote: also nominated are disabled-led arts charity University of Atypical and accessible beaches charity the Mae Murray Foundation.
The winning project will receive a £5,000 cash prize and a National Lottery Awards trophy.
“We knew from years of running our annual August Festival in Bangor that there was a thirst for a permanent music and arts venue in the city, which is what drove us to persevere with the Court House refurbishment project,” says Kieran Gilmore, Open House director.
“But even we didn’t expect the reception we’ve received since opening the doors last October. The majority of ticketed events sell out really quickly, and as around 50 per cent of our events are free, including regular jazz, trad and DJ sessions, the building is always buzzing.
"We know that collectively all the people involved in the Court House have done something good for Bangor, and it’s humbling to receive this recognition from the National Lottery Awards."
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“It is both an enormous honour and a massive surprise to receive this nomination,” says Alison Gordon, Open House development director.
“The support we’ve had from local people and our partners, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has had an incredibly positive impact on the work we’re doing. It would be wonderful recognition for all involved to be named National Lottery Project of the Year – and the best birthday present ever.”
You can vote for Bangor Court House at lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards until 12pm on October 9.
