The Manning Winter Festival committee invites the community to recognise and celebrate the creative talents of those involved in all aspects of the arts, culture, and creative industry, by nominating worthy candidates.

The awards feature three categories: outstanding contributions to the visual arts, performing arts, and a special arts award.

Nominations are open to people 16 years or older, whether they are individuals, couples or groups.

Nominees must have made significant contributions to cultural development in the Manning Valley catchment area and must be residents or former residents of the former Greater Taree and Gloucester local government areas. They must also continue to maintain connections in the Manning/Gloucester area in at least one field of cultural endeavour.

The Manning Winter Festival and the Manning Valley Visual and Performing Art Awards are held every two years to celebrate and highlight the vast range of artistic talent and creative industry in the Manning Valley.

The awards will be a highlight of the June 2018 festival program.

Announcements and presentation of the awards will be made at the festival official opening event to be held at the Manning Regional Art Gallery in Taree on Friday, June 1, 2018.

This is an opportunity to celebrate community creativity and honour those who have made outstanding contributions to cultural development in the Manning Valley.

Nominees will be invited to this function as guests of the Manning Winter Festival.

For nomination guidelines and entry forms visit the website: manningwinterfestival.weebly.com or contact committee president Mave Richardson on 6553 5412, awards co-ordinator Denise Greenaway on 0473 055 051 or secretary Kay Goon on email: manningwinterfestival@gmail.com

Nominations close Friday, February 23 2018.