Ten finalists, representing the very best of the creative industries in NSW, are in the running for two awards in the 2016 NSW Creative Achievement Awards, to be announced in Sydney on 6 June, as part of Vivid Sydney 2016.

Minister for Industry Anthony Roberts said the Creative Achievement Awards, now in their third year, celebrated the strength and diversity of the creative industries in NSW by showcasing outstanding work by individuals and organisations.

“The NSW Government is proud to work with the State’s vibrant creative industries sector to highlight the contribution they make to our rich cultural and social life and to our economy.

“NSW leads Australia in the creative industries. We employ about 184,000 people in this sector – more than agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining combined – and we are home to about 38 per cent of Australia’s total creative workforce.

“The finalists for this year’s awards are drawn from across the State’s many creative sectors including the performing and visual arts, screen, design and the built environment.

“Of the 10 finalists in this year’s Awards, four are competing for the NSW Creative Laureate award.

“This Award recognises an individual, team or organisation that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and made a significant contribution to positively enhancing the global reputation of NSW’s creative industries.”

Mr Roberts said six finalists would be competing for the $15,000 NSW Emerging Creative Talent award.

“With a very strong field of nominations this year, the judges had a tough job. I look forward to the announcement of the winners,” Mr Roberts said.

For more information on NSW creative industries and the NSW Creative Achievement Awards visit:http://www.nswciawards.com.au

2016 NSW Creative Laureate finalists

ASPECT Studios – landscape and urban design firm, Surry Hills

Carriageworks – arts and cultural venue, Eveleigh

Elizabeth Ann Macgregor – Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney

Vince Frost – designer, Surry Hills.

2016 NSW Emerging Creative Talent Award nominations

Ample Projects (Nicholas Tory & Lucy Keeler) – screen and projection designers, Surry Hills

Dr Lisa Cooper – florist, artist and author, Eveleigh

Frugal Arts Inc – producer of creative works using waste materials, Wauchope

Genevieve Clay-Smith – film director and writer, Alexandria

Lucy Humphrey – architect and artist, Surry Hills

Renew Newcastle Limited – city revitalisation program, Newcastle