Those who enrich our lives through music, arts and literature will be recognised in Carmarthenshire's second Celebration of Culture Awards.

Hosted by Carmarthenshire County Council, the awards aim to celebrate excellence in arts and culture and showcase county-wide cultural achievements.

The awards will be held in April, and will highlight the importance of culture in our region.

They are open to anyone living, working or originating from Carmarthenshire who made a significant contribution to Carmarthenshire’s cultural landscape during 2018.

Individuals, groups and organisations will all be considered for awards across a range of categories designed to shine a spotlight on all areas of culture in Carmarthenshire.

Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, executive board member for culture, sport and tourism, is behind the awards scheme.

“We are blessed with a rich cultural heritage here in Carmarthenshire with many distinguished artists, literary greats and stars of stage and screen who continue to inspire us to this day,” he said.

“In hosting these awards, we want to celebrate those who enrich our lives and add vibrancy to this great county today.

“This follows the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural celebration, a way for our gifted people to be recognised and their talents enjoyed.”

Six award categories are being opened up for nominations. They are:

• Excellence in Performing Arts

Recognising a performer or group of performers or organisation who have stood out in 2018. This can include (but is not limited to) theatre, dance, spoken word, and comedy.

• Excellence in Visual Arts and Crafts

Recognising an individual, group or organisation working in the visual arts, design, photography, or crafts whose work has left a lasting impression in 2018.

• Excellence in Creative Media

Recognising the achievements of an individual, group or organisation in creative media during 2018. This could be for (but is not limited to) film, animation, graphic design, games design, and digital art.

• Excellence in Literature

Acknowledgement of an outstanding individual, group or organisation working in creative writing, literature, prose or poetry who stood out during 2018.

• Excellence in Heritage

Recognising excellence from an individual, group, or organisation which raised the profile or celebrated Carmarthenshire’s history and heritage in 2018.

• Excellence in Music

Recognising the achievements of an individual, group or organisation in music during 2018. This can include (but is not limited to) musicians, singers, conductors and composers.

Two special awards will be given at the judges’ selection:

• Young Talent

An individual or group, aged under 25, working in any discipline, who are displaying real talent and potential at a relatively young age.

• Outstanding Contribution to Culture

This is an award for someone who has made a significant contribution to arts and culture in Carmarthenshire over a long period.

A judging panel will narrow down the entries to a shortlist, before choosing the three winners in each category.

The closing date for nominations is Sunday, February 24, at 11.59pm. People can enter an individual, group or organisation: bit.ly/culture2019

Call into your local library or Council Hubs in Llanelli and Ammanford for assistance with the online application.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Ffwrnes Theatre,Llanelli, on Friday, April 5.