The STARTS Award is a creative skills development programme for the Armed Forces community. It is open to current & ex-Service personnel and family members.

The STARTS Award encompasses 3 pathways:

The Award is made up of 2 categories:The Award is made up of 2 categories:

Anyone within the military community can apply: Current and Ex-Service Personnel, and their families.

All applicants who submit work to the award receive individual feedback on their submissions and 10 winners are selected; 5 in each category by our panel of experts.

The STARTS Award promotes new talent & creative wellbeing. It is a Visual Art & Spoken Word competition for promising artists & writer/performers connected to the Military Community (Serving or Ex-Service Personnel or family members (18+).

We give artists & writer/performers the opportunity to exhibit their artwork in a professional gallery or to perform their writing on a professional stage, as well as receiving one-to-one coaching and workshops from industry experts.

Founder Sue Brodie created The STARTS Award because she noticed that there are limited opportunities for aspiring creatives to share their work in a professional environment, and to be given the chance to expand their practice beyond the amateur level.

- participant, 2024

  • "There is a significant need for opportunities such as this"

    - Participant 2023

  • “The STARTS Award has given me a massive boost in confidence and self-esteem to continue the work I love the most.”

    - Award Winner 2023

  • “The recognition gives you self-worth and allows you to start believing in yourself and what you are capable of.”

    - Award Winner 2023

  • "Real hope derives from creating a future, and I think the STARTS Award can be a good thing in that."

    - Participant 2023

  • "Creative Art has given me a purpose in life."

    - Participant 2023

  • "Amazing talent, amazing venue."

    - Audience Member 2023

  • "I am completely in awe of the performers, the artists, and the message."

    - Audience Member 2023

  • "10 out of 10! Frank and honest words, delivered with comedy, empathy, and much talent. Brilliant."

    - Audience Member 2023

  • "Exceptional"

    - Audience Member 2023