Arts projects have been nominated for awards in six out of the seven categories in the 2007 National Lottery Awards. The annual awards celebrate the impact that exceptional Lottery-funded projects have had across the UK. Ten projects have been nominated in the category of Best Arts Project, ranging from the Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop to Tate Modern.
Other arts nominations include Somme Theatre, an education initiative about the First World War (Best Heritage Project); 23 Pieces, a film-making project from Dorset (Best Education Project); Yorkshire Sculpture Park, for restoration that includes a system of specialist access routes (Best Environment Project); Middleton Popstars Academy, a group giving disadvantaged children the opportunity to get involved in performing arts (Best Charity/Voluntary Project); and The Bedside Theatre project by Cahoots NI Theatre Company (pictured), through which mini-pieces of theatre, including a flea circus, are delivered at the bedside of sick children (Best Health Project). The first round of public voting for the awards ends on 3 August, from which shortlists of three in each category will go forward to the final round of public voting from 13 to 31 August. The winner of each category will win £2,000 and be featured in a special BBC1 programme in the autumn.