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Recognise staff that make a difference with the Arts Awards

SU Officers Charmiane and Katwamba high five on stage.

Written byStudent Communications
Published date 11 March 2026

We’re thrilled to announce that the Arts Awards, our annual celebration of excellence in the UAL community, is returning. A collaboration between Arts SU and UAL’s Learning and Teaching Directorate, the awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise a staff member who has made a difference for you. Likewise, staff are invited to recognise students who have contributed positively to the UAL community. All staff and students can take part and the award ceremony itself is a fantastic time to recognise our community for their hard work, dedication, innovation and approach to making the student experience at UAL the best it can be.

How can I recognise someone important to me?

To recognise a staff member that’s made a difference for you at UAL, simply fill in the nomination form. The deadline to nominate is Friday 20 March, so make sure to get yours in before the deadline!

What are the categories?

There are 13 categories total in the Arts Awards, 1 of which is a brand-new category for 2026 - ‘Outstanding staff contribution to student community’. Students can nominate staff members in the following 10 categories:

Outstanding Teaching Award
Outstanding Technical Support Award
Excellence in Postgraduate Support Award
Advocate for Student Voice Award
Excellence in Student Services Award
Outstanding Contribution to Social Justice Award
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Award
Making a Difference Award
Outstanding Staff Contribution to Student Community Award
Staff/Student Collaboration of the Year Award

So, if there’s a staff member that’s had a positive impact for you, show them what they mean to you and put them forward for an Arts Award!

Hear from some of last year's winners

Being awarded by students last year was the cherry on the cake of a busy and rewarding year, and felt like a special moment of recognition. So, if someone’s made a difference to your experience at UAL, I'd recommend taking a moment to vote.

— George Barker, winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Award

When I learned that students had taken the time to nominate me, it meant a great deal. So many good things happen at UAL that go quietly unnoticed. Nominating someone is simply a way of making the invisible, visible.

— Colin Priest, winner of the Outstanding Teaching Award (CCW and CCI)

You never know what’s going on in people’s lives, and to find out you’re appreciated, and your work is noticed, can make a real difference in adversity.

— Max Houghton, winner of the Outstanding Teaching Award (LCC)

It's incredibly validating to know we'd already made a positive difference to our graduates' businesses and lives. It is genuinely the loveliest feeling to be nominated by the people you work hard to support. It meant so much to me to hear I was doing a good job - it makes it all worth it!

— Alyssa Becht, winner of the Outstanding Postgraduate Support Award