Shape North | Kathy Coates-Mohammed & Stephanie Bartholet

About the winners:

Kathy Coates-Mohammed and Stephanie Bartholet are education and creative learning leaders with over 25 years' experience in the sector.

As Directors of Shape North, they develop innovative programmes using arts, culture, heritage, and creativity to improve outcomes for children and young people. Working across schools, cultural organisations, local authorities, and communities, their initiatives include the Kirklees Year of Music learning programme and partnerships with museums, artists, and community organisations.

Shape North advocates for creativity's power to unlock potential and create opportunities for social change, recognised through an NSEAD award for Innovation in Arts Education in 2024.

shapenorth.co.uk

Stephanie Bartholet (L) & Kathy Coates-Mohammed (R)

What the judges said:

'Shape North have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to enriching communities through arts education, creativity and collaboration. Led by Kathy Coates-Mohammed and Stephanie Bartholet, their work champions the belief that art, design and creativity are essential to human development, belonging and social change. Through ambitious and inclusive programmes, they have created meaningful opportunities for children, young people, educators, artists and communities to connect, learn and thrive together.

Their practice is deeply rooted in equity, participation and creative empowerment. Their work consistently uses creativity to break down barriers and foster understanding. By centering young people’s voices through initiatives such as Honest Voices, wearable art, youth consultation projects and creative symposiums, they have created powerful platforms for advocacy, citizenship and belonging.

What makes their contribution especially deserving recognition is the lasting impact they have had across both education and the wider cultural sector. Through transformative CPDL opportunities, conferences, artist partnerships and collaborative networks, they have inspired educators and artists nationally to rethink creative practice and community engagement. Their work has strengthened professional confidence, amplified underrepresented voices and demonstrated the profound role creativity can play in shaping more inclusive, connected and compassionate communities.'

Stephanie and Kathy receiving their award at The National Gallery, 20 June 2026 (Photography by Dan John Lloyd).