We are delighted to announce that World Heart Beat Music Academy has been shortlisted for the 2019 Achates Individual Philanthropy Award, the only annual prize that celebrates first-time supporters of the arts in the UK.
This year’s prize received a record breaking number of submissions from across the country which reflects the emerging generation of supporters for arts organisations and their communities. Each individual has been nominated by a cultural organisation to express appreciation for their outstanding contribution including financial, experience and skill sharing as well as network growth and positive advocacy.
Nick Thomlinson has been nominated for the award on behalf of World Heart Beat. His considerable property experience made him an excellent contact as the academy began its pitch for a new music education centre and venue in Nine Elms. He met with Founder and Artistic Director, Sahana Gero and was inspired by her vision and seeing the young people first-hand he quickly became involved in the pitch for the new space, investing time and providing valuable expertise.
Following the successful pitch, he has been instrumental in working with the team on the capital fundraising campaign leading to gifts and a widening of World Heart Beat’s prospect pipeline. Nick has been incredibly generous with a large donation from himself and has secured personal donations from other generous individuals, despite initially being reluctant to be involved in asking people for gifts!
Other organisations in the Individual Philanthropy Award shortlist include Arts & Health South West, Lighthouse, The Fruitmarket Gallery, Town Hall Symphony Hall and the Young Vic.
The Award will be presented by cultural philanthropist, Hannah Rothschild CBE at a special Prize ceremony at Rich Mix on Tuesday 19 November.
Sahana Gero, Founder and Artistic Director of World Heart Beat Music Academy said: “We’re delighted to be short-listed for the individual award. It’s fantastic to celebrate Nick Thomlinson’s philanthropy – he has been so generous, making a major gift to our capital project and getting actively involved with our fundraising campaign. Nick embodies the true definition of the word ‘philanthropy’ and we really appreciate his support. Individual donations are a vital cornerstone of our work – we couldn’t achieve all that we do without them.”
Watch this space for more news!