Behind-the-scenes champions of arts and culture celebrated as part of the inaugural Sky Arts Awards this September
Linda Hogg, Head of Customer Services and Front of House at Capital Theatres in Edinburgh, is one of five nominees shortlisted for the Sky Arts Hero Award
Sky has announced the nominees for its Arts Hero Award, a first-of-its-kind category for the new Sky Arts Awards.
The highly anticipated ceremony, taking place on 17th September at The Roundhouse, will celebrate the diverse and vibrant landscape of British and Irish arts and culture, rewarding excellence across all arts disciplines.
The event, which will be broadcast live on Sky Arts and Freeview, will be a showcase of the immense talent and dedication that fuel the arts industry – including the behind-the-scenes heroes whose efforts are integral to the success of the arts and culture scene.
Sky Arts invited the arts community to nominate their unsung heroes earlier this summer. Following an overwhelming response, they can now reveal the five nominees for the Arts Hero Award.
From a singer who supports children on life support to an art technician who mentors young curators, these extraordinary individuals were selected by the judging panel for their unwavering dedication and profound impact on the arts, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of countless productions, exhibitions and performances.
One of the nominees is Linda Hogg, Head of Customer Services and Front of House at Capital Theatres in Edinburgh, who has dedicated 30 years to enhancing the Scottish arts sector.
Known for her exceptional work ethic and kindness, Linda has created a welcoming atmosphere at Capital Theatres, earning high praise from audiences and colleagues alike. Her contributions extend beyond the theatre, including volunteer work during COVID and personal acts of kindness. Linda’s leadership and attention to detail have left a lasting mark on Edinburgh’s cultural scene.
Linda shared her reaction to being nominated: “When I heard about the nomination, I was genuinely touched.
“Every day in this role is a mix of challenges and rewards, and to have that dedication acknowledged is heartwarming. It’s not just about me, though – it’s about the entire team that makes the magic happen.
“This nomination feels like a win for all of us.”
Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, commented on the importance of the Arts Hero Award: “We were incredibly moved by the nominations we received. Each story was a powerful reminder of the dedication, passion and often unseen work that goes into making our arts sector thrive.
“Selecting just five nominees was an immensely difficult task. Everyone put forward has made such a meaningful contribution. The Sky Arts Awards is our opportunity to celebrate these remarkable unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, making our cultural experiences possible.”
The announcement follows recent findings that 84% of the UK population are unaware that the arts sector employs around 3.5 million people across hundreds of roles. The Arts Hero Award not only celebrates these essential workers but also highlights the vital roles they play within the arts ecosystem.
Building on the legacy of the South Bank Sky Arts Awards, the Sky Arts Awards is the only event in the world that recognises the full spectrum of artistic genres, including classical music, comedy, dance, film, literature, poetry, opera, popular music, television, theatre and visual art.
The winning Arts Hero will be revealed at the Sky Arts Awards, airing 17 September at 9pm on Sky Arts.
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