A REPRESENTATIVE of Criccieth Town Council has won a national award celebrating artistry among the UK’s local authorities.

Councillor Ffion Meleri Gwyn has won “best arts champion – councillor” in the National Campaign for the Arts’ (NCA) ‘Hearts for the Arts’ awards in 2022.

This follows her work providing leadership to a range of creative and innovative projects, contributing massively to the wellbeing of the Criccieth community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The awards were judged by high-profile professionals in arts, business and journalism, including Krishnan Guru-Murthy, journalist and presenter of Channel 4 News, and Deborah Meaden, businesswoman and TV “Dragon” on “Dragons’ Den”.

Deborah Meaden said: “Cllr Gwyn is clearly passionate and committed and a much-loved member of the community and for good reason.

“She has used her own passion and talent for the benefit of her community, and you get a real sense of her direct involvement of all the projects highlighted.”

Another of the judges, Andy Dawson, said: “Cllr Gwyn is an artist who has taken the plunge into politics and the results are clear to see - she leads by example is not afraid to bring her artistry to the fore which is inspiring to see!

“She understands how arts and creativity connect people.

“I particularly love the way she infuses nature into her delivery. She understands that tackling isolation, especially during the pandemic, is vital.”

The awards are to be presented by Samuel West and selected guest judges at the Hearts for the Arts digital awards ceremony, hosted by the Local Government Association, on Monday, March 7.

These annual awards recognise the UK’s unsung local authority arts heroes, presented by the National Campaign for the Arts in partnership with Community Leisure UK, Creative Lives, the Local Government Association, Thrive, UK Theatre, and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

In response to winning, Cllr Gwyn said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have won this award which is a tribute to the amazing work and involvement of members of our community, from young to old in so many memorable projects.

“We are living in unprecedented times and it’s fantastic to be able to reach out through our varied creative initiatives to involve hundreds in our bilingual community.

“These projects have boosted the wellbeing of all of us.”

Dr Catrin Jones, clerk of Criccieth Town Council, said: “Congratulations to Cllr Gwyn on winning this prestigious award in a very competitive field.

“In the time of COVID, Ffion, as an artist and as a councillor, has made the case for creativity in partnership by setting an example of how, despite all the necessary restrictions, it was and remains possible and beneficial to innovate and create and make art a community adventure.

“She’s provided inspired leadership on a range of creative and innovative projects, working tirelessly to engage with the community, encouraging people from all walks of life to take part.

“To successfully launch and accomplish a creative strategy, every council needs a Ffion.”

Rebecca Evans, minister for finance and local government, added: "The fact that Criccieth benefited from such encouragement and support reflects her leadership, creativity, and energy during the pandemic.

“This success also attests to the support provided by Criccieth Town Council in facilitating and encouraging people to take part in the activities.”

For the full list of winners, visit: www.forthearts.org.uk/campaigns/hearts-for-the-arts.