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NEWS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

Studio 74 wins Best Art Gallery at prestigious Muddy Stilettos Awards

Studio 74, a leading art gallery on Whiteladies Road is thrilled to announce its victory in the highly esteemed Dorset, Somerset & Bristol Muddy Stilettos Award 2023.

The Muddy Stilettos Awards, known for celebrating and championing outstanding local businesses, have gained immense popularity and garnered over 800,000 votes from across the country this year.

Studio 74’s success in this highly competitive category is a true reflection of the gallery’s commitment to excellence and the overwhelming support of its loyal patrons. Winner in the Best Art Gallery category, only opening 8 months ago this award is a testament to the success of the gallery already.

Since its inception, Studio 74 has been committed to showcasing a range of acclaimed works of art from both established and emerging artists. Exhibiting a diverse collection from original artwork to sculpture, across three stunning interior layouts. Working closely with clients to provide a bespoke and unique service, whether you are new to the art world or an established collector. The gallery’s environment is specially curated with a commitment to excellence, showcasing artwork that pushes boundaries, challenges conventions, and reflects the diverse perspectives of the contemporary art world.

“We are honoured and elated to receive the Best Art Gallery award in the Dorset, Somerset & Bristol Muddy Stilettos Award 2023,” said Ellena Norman, Director of Studio 74. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible talent of our featured artists and the unwavering support of our community. We are truly grateful to all everyone that voted for us, and the Muddy Stilettos platform for this tremendous honour.”

• To find out more or to book an appointment at the gallery contact: 0117 4350270; info@studio74gallery.com; Studio74contemporaryart.com; 74 Whiteladies Road

Bristol Nights launch new initiative for Night Time Economy Workers

Bristol Nights has launched a new initiative –Thrive at Night. Aimed at providing mental health and wellbeing support, the programme offers training to the city’s 6pm –6am workforce.The initiative is a collaboration with night time economy businesses and workers, plus experts in mental health and wellbeing, to ensure that the Thrive at Night resources and training meet the needs of night time workers. The night time economy is a vital component of Bristol’s cultural and economic landscape. Following a difficult few years, the Covid-19 pandemic has inevitably taken a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of some of those who work in the industry. Thrive at Night will provide free mental health training sessions for local hospitality businesses, including bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Covering a range of topics, including stress management, how to create a mentally healthy workplace and to be a compassionate leader, reacting to a serious incident and how to support employees who may be self medicating as a reaction to stress, the programme has been almost a year in the making. Additionally, the program will provide organisations with the tools and support they need to create and implement their own mental health and wellbeing policy.

• For more information, visit: bristolnights.co.uk

Bee Bold Awards: Pollinator Champions crowned

The Bee Bold Awards –which is part of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s wider work to make the West the Bee and Pollinator Capital of the UK –recently returned for a second year. West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris joined members of the community at the Heart of BS13 Climate Action Hub to celebrate action being taken across the region to support pollinators. Each winner was chosen by a panel of local experts and showcase the different ways in which we can all take action to support our region’s efforts to protect and enhance our habitats for pollinators.

The 2023 Bee Bold Awards winners were: Curo Social Housing –operating across Bristol, Bath and NE Somerset and South Glos, Curo have taken part in No Mow May, started a ‘Do Nothing for Nature’ campaign, and planted hundreds of trees in community spaces, transforming their housing estates into pollinator-friendly green spaces. Middle GroundGrowers –an organic farm in Bath using a “regenerative pollinator-friendly” farming model including planting over four-plus acres of wildflower meadows. TheUniversity of the West of England (UWE) – UWE Bristol’s Beeline project has built a network of pollinator-friendly and edible plants across their campuses, alongside mini wildflower meadows, orchards, and new opportunities for staff and students to engage with nature. Storm Consultancy –a digital technology agency in Bath who launched the tree planting project ‘Co-Forest’ to help companies invest in local biodiversity and improve the wellbeing of communities. TheLANCE Trust – based in Long Ashton, the Trust has inspired and engaged residents, including primary schools, Parish Councils, farms, universities, and local churches, among others, to improve wild spaces in the Long Ashton and other areas, and survey for bees and other wildlife. KeynshamGirl’sBrigade –from bee-friendly planting in their Church grounds to making insect ID guides and bee baths, the Girl’s Brigade have been helping support local pollinators and raising awareness in their community.

• westofengland-ca.gov.uk