Arts Council England
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Success for Seven Stories, winner of National Lottery Awards best education project

Seven Stories the National Centre for Children’s Books has won a prestigious award for its education work at the National Lottery Awards. One of the Arts Council’s National portfolio organisations, Seven Stories has been recognised for its work celebrating and sharing the nation’s rich literary heritage with children and young people.

On Tuesday 6 August staff at the Newcastle-based venue were surprised with their award by Mollie King, member of girl band The Saturdays, who experienced difficulties with reading herself as a child when diagnosed with dyslexia.

Seven Stories works regularly with over half of the schools in the north east, welcoming over 10,000 school visitors and inspiring 12,000 children, young people and adults each year through outreach work in schools and communities.

Alan Davey, Arts Council England’s Chief Executive, said: 'I am delighted that Seven Stories has been voted the nation’s favourite education project for the latest National Lottery Awards. Funded by lottery money from Arts Council England, Seven Stories inspires a love of reading across generations.

'The real impact of any artistic experience is how it makes you feel and the memories it leaves you with and children’s literature is an inspirational element of our national heritage and culture. Congratulations to all at Seven Stories for their well-deserved award.' 

Kate Edwards, Seven Stories' Chief Executive, said: 'This is fantastic news. We are very grateful to everyone who voted for us – to know we are so valued by friends, visitors and supporters from the  north east and across the UK is thrilling.

'Seven Stories began with the big idea that Britain needs a place to save, celebrate and share our amazing literary heritage for children. Eight years on, more than a million children and grownups have visited us and made our exhibitions, events and learning programmes such a success.'

Catch the winners on BBC One

Seven Stories beat six other challengers in a public vote to win the best education project. They will receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on the work they do. Seven Stories will also feature at a star-studded awards ceremony hosted by John Barrowman and broadcast on BBC One in September.

Useful links an more information

Find out more about the Arts Council's National portfolio organisations.

Read about BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art winning best arts project at last year's National Lottery Awards. 

Browse others finalists for the National Lottery Awards


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