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And the winner is . . .

The List is launching two brand new cultural awards. Editor Jonny Ensall explains what they’re all about

I t’s stating the obvious to say that Scotland is full of great artists and performers. Our cultural stars dominate the Turner Prize every year, grab lead roles in Hollywood films, and write epoch-defining novels and poetry. We publish an annual Hot 100 list to catalogue this talent (out next issue), but it’s just not enough. The Hot 100 acknowledges the work of internationally acclaimed creatives. What about the people closer to home?

Step forward our two new end-of-year awards. The first, the List Award, will go to an individual or group responsible for a lasting, positive change made to the Scottish arts scene, whether it’s through work produced or support given to artists. It will be a clear and meaningful recognition of artistic achievement in Scotland an award chosen by a panel of creative

industry peers that will put a long-lasting stamp of approval on a worthwhile project. Added to this, there will be a List Newcomer Award, for achievements within an individual or group’s first 12 months of operation. Anyone who ends up in our Hot 100 will be eligible for either award, and the winners will be announced at The List’s official Hot 100 party on 15 Dec, at Edinburgh’s newly reopened National Portrait Gallery (win tickets on page 8). With the help of judges from TV, theatre, music, film and other fields, The List will be picking the arts icons of 2011. The prize-winners will be splashed across the next issue, and we can’t wait to celebrate their work.

See next issue for the winners announcement.

LIST.CO.UK Visit us daily for arts & entertainment news 5 Things. . . ARAB RAPS Our favourite weep-along Arab Strap songs and lyrics

1 Speed Date ‘The ugly tattooed

swingers euphemise and call their mucky hobby “trysts” / But if I saw another man touch you, I'd break his fucking wrists.’

2 The First Big Weekend ‘It

was a beautiful day, and later that evening Malcolm introduced me to the power of Merrydown. £1.79 a litre, 8.2%. Mmmm . . .’

3 Packs of Three ‘It was the

biggest ever cock you'd ever seen, but you've no idea

where that cock has been.’

4 The Shy Retirer ‘I want to fall in

love tonight and form the perfect unbreakable bond /

You can be my teenage Jenny Agutter, swimming naked in a pond.’

5 I Saw You ‘I thought it was a

good idea at the time but I was pissed. I tried to find her by sending an ad into The List.’

Arab Strap play Nice‘N’Sleazy, Glasgow, Thu 17 Nov.

NewsExtra NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FOR SB

Scottish Ballet have revealed that Christopher Hampson will be their new Artistic Director. Director and choreographer Hampson previously danced with English National Ballet, and said of his appointment: ‘I will be seeking to engage even further . . . so that Scottish Ballet continues to enrich, enthuse and inspire audiences throughout Scotland.’ Hampson will take up his new position in August 2012. Watch this space.

17 Nov–15 Dec 2011 THE LIST 9