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Kinny Gardner makes National Diversity Awards 2016 shortlist

Kinny Gardner B.E.M makes final Lifetime Achiever shortlist in the National Diversity Awards (NDA).

Kinny Gardner: Photo by Robert Workman
Kinny Gardner: Photo by Robert Workman

Kinny received the British Empire Medal in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list, for services to the Arts, with particular reference to his extensive and devoted work, for 35 years, within the Deaf and disabled arts communities.

Co-founder of Krazy Kat Theatre Company in 1982, Kinny is a Development Adviser to BBC Cbeebies, working on new mainstream Sign Language television projects for children.

In 2014 he received the BBC Community Hero Award for services to The Arts and in 2025 the prestigious Government ‘British Citizens Award (Arts)’.

The Krazy Kat Theatre Company, based in Brighton has a vivid style, combining  theatre and Sign Language Arts which promotes access to the arts for the deaf community, and champions the value of signing to the hearing.

Kinny’s unique vision has led to a distinctive, ambitious and high quality style of integrated Sign Language Arts, and over the 35 years of Krazy Kat’s existence has attracted artists to the company who seek to reflect the lived experience of deaf and hard of hearing children and young people.

Kinny studied Classical Ballet, graduating in 1976. He featured in London’s West End in The Rocky Horror Show and Chicago, and in rep. and endless world tours.  He is still a guest artist with the outrageous Lindsay Kemp and his company and escapes with them when he can fit it into his busy Kat schedule.

Kinny is a Development Adviser to BBC Cbeebies, working on new mainstream Sign Language television projects for children. In 2014 he received the BBC Community Hero Award for services to The Arts and in 2025 the prestigious Government ‘British Citizens Award (Arts)’.

The other nominees in the Lifetime Achiever award category include:  Valerie Ender, Anna Kennedy OBE, Qaisra Shahraz, Dr Susan Huson, Nicola Rule, Rana Nazir and Saundra Glenn.

The winners of NDA will be announced at the breathtakingly beautiful Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool, on September 16, 2016.

Over 20,000 nominations and votes were received this year, paying tribute to grass root communities nationwide.

Designed to highlight the country’s most inspirational and selfless people, the NDA’s are supported by the likes of Stephen Fry, Adam Hills and Sir Lenny Henry amongst many.

Tom Daley
Tom Daley

British Diver & Television Presenter Tom Daley applauded the awards saying: “The National Diversity Awards is a celebration of the fantastic work within Diversity, Equality & Inclusion by all positive role models and community organisations. Everybody who has been nominated and shortlisted is striving towards making society better for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. This is important because you are having a positive impact to people’s lives.

“I would like to wish all the shortlisted nominees the very best of luck at this year’s National Diversity Awards.” He added.

The NDA Judging Panel recently deliberated and came to a decision regarding the final shortlist.

Trans Pride Brighton are also shortlisted in the LGBT Community Organisation category along with Mermaids, Age UK Wirral, North Devon Sunrise CIC, Chrysalis Transsexual Support Groups, InterEngineering, Gendered Intelligence and National Student Pride.

For the full list of shortlisted nominees, click here:

Winners will be announced at The National Diversity Awards 2016 on September 16.

To purchase tickets for the black tie event in Liverpool Cathedral, click here:

World OutGames Miami receives support from City of Miami Beach

Major sponsorship deal allows sports, culture and human rights to come together during 10-day event in 2017.

WEB.600.20

Momentum builds for World OutGames Miami 2017 with the announcement of a major commitment from the City of Miami Beach. During a recent City of Miami Beach Commission meeting, the City Commission voted unanimously to support World OutGames Miami, which will be held Friday, May 26 through Sunday, June 4, 2017.

“It is great for us to have the support of the City of Miami Beach, which fosters so many great programs that improve the quality of life for its residents and attracts visitors around the world,” said Ivan Cano, chief executive officer of World OutGames Miami. “We deeply thank Mayor Philip Levine and fellow Commissioners, City Manager Jimmy Morales and staff for their vision to recognize how the World OutGames will inspire, motivate and unify thousands of people.”

Following the recommendation of a Letter to Commission submitted by the Miami Beach LGBT Advisory Committee, the Commission unanimously approved support for World OutGames Miami including fee waivers associated with various facilities required to host the cultural, sporting and human rights events, as well as other in-kind support and operating dollars.

Miami Beach City Commissioner Ricky Arriola, said: “The World OutGames are a great opportunity to showcase Miami Beach’s promotion of a healthy and athletic lifestyle and inclusive community.”

The 10-day event will bring to life 34 sports and more than 450 events across the areas of Sport, Culture and Human Rights.

Every four years, World OutGames brings together LGBT athletes, many from countries where homosexuality remains illegal and hidden. In the spirit of true inclusiveness, World OutGames is open to all, regardless of sexual orientation.

To register for World OutGames Miami. click here:

Athletes who register before September 1, 2016 can save $100 USD. The comprehensive registration package includes admission to Opening and Closing Ceremonies, access to OPEN sports and culture events, access to Festival Village and much more.

World OutGames is a multi-sport and cultural event that is licensed by the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA). Every four years, World OutGames brings together athletes from all over the world in unprecedented numbers for a celebration of sport, culture and human rights, many from countries where homosexuality remains illegal and hidden.

Previously hosted in Montreal, Copenhagen and Antwerp, World OutGames is open to all who wish to participate, without regard to sexual orientation. There are no qualifying standards, although competitions are arranged according to the skill levels of the competitors.

For more information about World OutGames, click here:

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ART PREVIEW: Romany Mark Bruce

Romany Mark Bruce launches Part 2 of his solo exhibition in Brighton.

Celestory
Celestory

In the run up to Brighton Pride, 2017, Romany Mark Bruce will launch Part 2 of his State of Mind solo show at The New Steine Hotel in New Steine.

The exhibition will feature all new ecclesiastical based abstracts from the internationally renowned Kemp Town based artist.

A new limited edition print Celestory has been produced especially for the second part of the exhibition. Printed to museum quality by Harwood King in an edition of 25, the 50cm x 50cm image is available framed or unframed.

Romany is the designer and creator of the Brighton AIDS Memorial, unveiled by Mr David Furnish on October 9 2009, a bronze sculpture that has become an iconic landmark.

Romany’s paintings and sculptures have won critical acclaim and his work is collected and exhibited worldwide.


Event: ‘STATE OF MIND (Part II)’

Where: New Steine Hotel, 10-11 New Steine, Brighton BN2 1PB

When: Launches Thursday July 28 with a private view and runs until August 1

If you would like an invite to the PV please email:

For more information about Romany Mark Bruce, click here:

 

 

 

 

 

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