"There is no hiding in arts.  I only ask one thing, that you be yourself and dedicate yourself solely to what you love - invest and deliver in your dreams" 
Benji Reid, hip hop artist

"No one believed it was posible to become a professional actor where I grew up.  The more people mocked and knocked me for wanting to do so, the more determined I became to prove them wrong... Then I got the lead role in 'Withnail and I' which changed my life.  Never give up!"
Richard E Grant, actor

"Whatever your artistic interests or talents, it's really important that you make the most of any opportunity that gives you the chance to learn, develop and expand your creativity.  That's why I'm really pleased to support the young people's Arts Award for all the encouragement and recognition it gives to those involved."
Graham Norton, comedian

"I think this Arts Award for young people sounds brilliant.  I am excited that young people explore their creativity and add to the mix of ideas and activities that animate our imaginations as well as focus our thinking."
Siobhan Davies, choreographer and dancer

"I have learnt loads about my students and found skills that I simply didn't know they had.  In my groups I've found good film makers and photographers as well as the more obvious arts skills taught on the curriculum.  Some of the work is really very creative and not always recognised by the formal curriculum."
Martyn Mullender, Royal Manor Arts College, Arts Award Advisor

"Arts Award is a valuable means of engaging young people from a diverse range of backgrounds, and contributing towards an alternative progression route to higher education.  The flexibility of the award opens up possibilities for people regardless of their background or situation; the award can be delivered in a setting with which they are familiar, it can be completed at their own pace, and in a subject area which they choose."
Mark Crawley, Director of Widening Participation, University of the Arts London

"Seeing the young people achieve a proper qualification and how proud it makes them and their families has been brilliant.  We hope that by helping our young people to work towards their Arts Award it can be the first step to them re-engaging with positive activities, learning and achieving."
Lorna Digweed, Youth Arts Coordinator, Wessex Youth Offending Team, Arts Award Adviser

"Arts Award is an excellent qualification for young people: accessible, flexible, enjoyable and highly valuable, regardless of whether young people want to pursue a career in the arts.  Arts Award ties in excellently with the Government's Personal Learning and thinking Skills (PLTS) which they want in all areas of the curriculum."
Rose Coppard, Creative New Skills at the City of Norwich School, Arts Award adviser.