Four Scottish organisations have been shortlisted in the Arts category for The National Lottery Awards. Conflux (The Arches), Drumatick Drum Group, TRACS (Drake Music Scotland) and Fonn Nam Fèis (Fèis Rois), who have all received investment through Creative Scotland, fought off stiff competition from across the UK to receive their nominations.

Voting is now open to the public. In addition to the Lottery funding they have already been awarded, the winners will each receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project. The three projects with the most votes will go through to the Final of the Awards and attend the star-studded televised ceremony later this year.

The National Lottery Awards recognise the positive impact that Lottery-funded projects – both big and small – make to local communities. Their investment in the arts includes painting, dance, theatre, film, events and performances along with investment in arts centres and organisations.

There are seven categories in the Awards each reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts; sport; heritage; health; environment, education (in association with Best magazine), charity and voluntary.

Details of the Scottish nominees for Best Art Project are

Drumatik – Drumatik Drum Group

Dramatik is making a positive change to the lives of its members. The majority of the drum and percussion band members are adults with learning disabilities – some of whom have low self-esteem. But, taking part in the group has made a huge impact on their confidence.

Fonn Nam Fèis – Fèis Rois

The traditional Scottish music workshops offered by Fonn Nam Fèis since receiving Lottery funding are proving so popular that some people make a round trip of 200 miles to attend.

Conflux – The Arches

Conflux develops the landscape of street arts, physical theatre and circus in Scotland, producing ground-breaking shows and professional development programmes, while providing Scottish communities with access to engaging participatory cultural events.

TRACS – Drake Music Scotland

TRACS enables disabled people to create professional standard digital recordings of their own songs to share with their families, friends and community.

Iain Murno, Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland and panel judge member, commented:

‘Congratulations to the four Scottish nominated organisations. This is yet another example of the superb talent the Arts sector in Scotland has to offer and is a great opportunity for people across Scotland to get involved and showcase what they can do. The nominations show the value and importance of what these organisations can achieve with the right support through National Lottery funding.’

Voting for the National Lottery Awards is now live at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and closes on 22 July 2012.

Source: Creative Scotland