Finalists announced for Creative Edinburgh Awards 2026
The 15th edition of the award show includes celebrations of community, collaboration, inclusion and more
The finalists for the 15th edition of the Creative Edinburgh Awards have been announced, celebrating the some of the most innovative individuals and arts organisations in Scotland’s capital.
The nominees were whittled down from more than 140 candidates to include 32 individuals, organisations and projects across eight categories that represent leaders of Edinburgh’s creative community.
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony at Central Hall on Friday 13 November, in an event featuring performances from Tinderbox Collective, complimentary drinks for ticket holders, and food provided by Grassmarket Community College.
Here’s the full list of finalists:
Community Award
- Pianodrome
- Scottish Chamber Orchestra
- Screen Education
- Summerhall Arts
Inclusion Award
- Edinburgh Community Performing Arts
- HIV Aloud: Raise the Curtain with Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care
- Out of Sight Out of Mind Exhibition
- Screen Education Edinburgh
Collaboration Award
- Dementia-Friendly Workshops with Space Beacon Club and Edinburgh International Festival
- HIV Aloud: Raise the Curtain with Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care
- Manipulate Arts & WHALE Arts - Ocho Project
- Starcatchers Productions Ltd
Development Award
- Darren Wilkie
- Fiona Linton
- Hannah Ayre
- Rachel Barlow
Festivals Award - Sponsored by The List
- Edinburgh Art Festival
- Hidden Door
- Manipulate Festival
- Summerhall Arts
Innovation Award
- Heads on Crooked
- The Pend
- Trevor Jones
- Where Are The Disabled Photographers?
Leadership Award - Sponsored by Screen Scotland
- Jess Abrams - Lecturer in Community Music at Edinburgh College
- Kat Brooks - Leader of The Phoenix Choir
- Susie Gray - Executive Director of Premier Scotland
- Suzanne Lofthus - Artistic Director of Cutting Edge Theatre
Student Awards
- Floria Paul
- The Edinburgh College Game Society
- Romana Docherty
- Lok Pui Lo
Ola Wojtkiewicz, executive director at Creative Edinburgh, said: ‘As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Creative Edinburgh Awards, we’re proud of their role in building the city’s creative legacy - recognising local talent, amplifying ambitious projects and celebrating the people and places making a lasting difference to their communities.
‘The Awards are about more than recognition; they bring together artists, communities, organisations and funders, strengthening the connections that help creativity thrive. This reflects our commitment to supporting creative entrepreneurship and contributing to Edinburgh’s Culture and Wellbeing Strategy. We’re equally proud of the longstanding partnerships that make the Awards possible - a testament to the power of a connected, collaborative city.’
Creative Edinburgh Awards, Central Hall, Edinburgh, Friday 13 November.
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