Action for Children’s Arts J.M. Barrie Awards

20th anniversary of the J. M. Barrie Awards recognises the contribution of Wales-based children’s arts dynamo and Deaf actress, Stephanie Bailey-Scott alongside luminaries Michael Foreman OBE, RDI and Sir Frank Bowling OBE, RA.

In anticipation of the 20th anniversary of the J. M. Barrie Awards, taking place this November at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, Taking Flight are delighted to announce that their Participation, Access & Inclusion Officer, Steph Bailey-Scott is one of this year’s winners, making her not only the first Deaf recipient of the award, but also the first winner to be based in Wales.

Action for Children’s Arts Ambassador and Founder Vicky Ireland MBE says, ‘Over the past 20 years it has been our charity’s honour to recognise the contribution of so many wonderful artists for children, through our unique J.M Barrie Awards. And it is with huge pride that we honour this year’s winners – three outstanding artists whose inspirational work proves the transformative power of the arts and cultural education, in nurturing creativity, artistry, imagination and empathy in the lives of our nation’s children.’

Taking Flight’s Stephanie Bailey-Scott – an actress, theatre maker and workshop leader – is the recipient of the Education Award, which recognises individuals for their direct contributions to children’s arts education and mentorship, demonstrating their commitment to go above and beyond for their communities and nurturing lifelong passions for the arts.

Stephanie is Participation, Access & Inclusion officer here at Taking Flight, where she works to connect young Deaf people to Deaf role models from diverse cultures and experiences, increasing their confidence; broadening their networks; and helping them to build their futures in the arts and beyond. Taking Flight makes bold, unusual theatre productions with Deaf, disabled, non-disabled and neurodiverse performers.

Stephanie leads Taking Flight Youth Theatre (Wales’ only youth theatre for Deaf and hard of hearing people), something that she is immensely proud of. Herself Deaf and disabled, Stephanie is also known for her stylish walking sticks!

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The annual J.M. Barrie Awards celebrate people and organisations doing outstanding work within children’s arts and whose work, in the view of the ACA Trustees, will stand the test of time. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on the afternoon of Thursday 7 November 2024 in the Delfont Room at the Prince of Wales Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre in London.

Action for Children’s Arts (ACA) was founded in 1998 by Vicky Ireland MBE, with the support of a group of like-minded children’s arts professionals. ACA is a national membership organisation embracing all professionals working in children’s arts. The charity is dedicated to the promotion, development and celebration of all creative and performing arts for and with children aged 0-12 years. As the voice of children’s arts in the UK, ACA advocates a fairer distribution of arts funding to children and champions the cause of children’s arts with all relevant policy and decision-making bodies.