The Visionary Arts Awards returned for its fourth year on the 21st March 2023, in association with the UK’s leading anti racism charity, Show Racism the Red Card.
Hosted by Scarlette Douglas, the awards ceremony celebrated activists, creators and community leaders who over the past 12 months have inspired social change through the arts and their platforms including film, television, music, literature, podcasts, theatre, media platforms and their communities.
Alongside the presentation of the awards, there were live performances from pianist & composer Okiem, who’s music is described as “cinematic classical” and West End singer Cleopatra Rey accompanied by Edison on guitar, who performed ‘No Woman, No Cry’, into ‘One Love’, from Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical.
With a great ensemble of inspiring icons, community leaders and celebrities all under one roof at the beautiful Ham Yard hotel, the Visionary Arts Foundation is delighted to reveal that the winners and presenters at Visionary Arts Awards 2023 are as follows:
Podcast Of The Year
WINNER: Happy Place by Fearne Cotton
PRESENTER: Levi Roots
Pictured: Levi Roots, Fearne Cotton & Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
Play/Musical Of The Year
WINNER: For Black Boys…
PRESENTER: Johannes Radebe
Pictured: Johannes Radebe, Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner & Ryan Calais Cameron from ‘For Black boys’ and Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
Documentary Of The Year
WINNER: Judi Love: Black, Female & Invisible
PRESENTER: Nikesh Patel
Pictured: Nikesh Patel, Judi Love, Douglas Road team, and Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
Television Show Of The Year
WINNER: I Am Ruth
PRESENTER: Nicola Thorp
Pictured: Nicola Thorp, Dominic Savage & Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
TV Advert Of The Year
WINNER: See the World Differently – Virgin Atlantic
PRESENTER: Jasmine Dotiwala
Pictured: Jasmine Dotiwala, Matt Simms, Alice McGinn, Talulah-Eve Brown and Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britian.
Film Of The Year
WINNER: The Woman King
PRESENTER: Ashanti Omkar
Pictured: Ashanti Omkar and Scarlette Douglas. Photo Credit: Bonnie Britain.
Song Of The Year
WINNER: FUBU – Kojey Radical
PRESENTER: Jessie & Carrie – Solar Records
Pictured: Jessie Tsang, Carrie Lucas, Kojey Radical and Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
Community Person Of The Year
WINNER: Kwajo Tweneboa
PRESENTER: Joanna Abeyie
Pictured: Joanna Abeyie, Kwajo Tweneboa and Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
Short Film of the Year
WINNER: Prabhaav by Thasvi Venkat
PRESENTER: Be Manzini
Pictured: Be Manzini and Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain.
Inspirational Person of the Year
WINNER: Lizzo
PRESENTER: Kanya King
Pictured: Kanya King and Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
Book Of The Year
WINNER: The Climate Crisis – Greta Thunberg
PRESENTER: Rose Ayling-Ellis
Pictured: Annabel Huxley, Fiona Livesey, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Scarlette Douglas. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
Legacy Honour
WINNER: Naomi Campbell
PRESENTER: Baroness Amos
Pictured: Naomi Campbell, Baroness Amos and Scarlette Douglas.
From diversity and inclusion, to mental health care, the climate crisis, poverty and youth violence prevention, Visionary Arts Foundation believes that people can create a difference, as well as raise awareness of social issues via film, television, music, literature, podcasts, theatre, media platforms and their communities.
Ged Grebby, SRtRC CEO said, “Show Racism the Red Card are humbled and honoured to be chosen as the official charity partner for the Visionary Arts awards 2023. We commend the work of the Foundation and are inspired by their use of the arts to raise marginalised voices and raise awareness to tackle important social issues. Show Racism the Red Card would like to wish all the nominees the best of luck and look forward to celebrating and recognising the achievements of those who are striving to make our world a better place.”
Pictured: Show Racism the Red Card team and Jermain Defoe. Photo credit: Bonnie Britain
Adrian Grant, Founder of Visionary Arts Awards said:
“The Visionary Arts Foundation believe that entertainment and media have the power to change the world and voices of all cultures, creed, gender, sexuality and ability should be heard, seen and respected. Through the Visionary Arts Foundation it is our goal to open doors and provide opportunities for young creatives and to inspire them to produce work that can influence positive social change.”
Watch the highlights of the evening here:
Photo credit: Bonnie Britain.
