The Higgins Bedford has received a nomination for the category of Best Art Gallery in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire in the Muddy Awards 2021.

The awards, hosted by the Muddy Stilettos lifestyle website, celebrate the very best of local businesses and venues, emphasising quality and creativity.

This is the very first time that The Higgins Bedford has been nominated for a Muddy Award, and is the only art gallery in Bedford to have reached the final stage of the awards.

The Higgins Bedford are excited that they have been recognised for the work of staff and volunteers after a difficult year. As a result of national restrictions, The Higgins Bedford has had to close several times, but still remained active online, providing the community with online events and content to enjoy. Staff and volunteers has also been busy behind the scenes preparing for new exhibitions, which are now open to the public, ‘Going to Town – 200 Years of Bedford’s Art’ and ‘Airship Dreams: Escaping Gravity’.

If you have fond memories of a past visit to The Higgins Bedford, visited an exhibition that you have really enjoyed, or admire the art collections, then you can show your support and vote for The Higgins Bedford to win.

Councillor Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “We’re delighted that The Higgins Bedford has not only been nominated for a Muddy Award, but also made it through to the final. Throughout the pandemic, the staff have worked incredibly hard to make sure The Higgins Bedford is still available to the community, by offering virtual activities and opening in safe way when it has been able to.

“Staff at The Higgins Bedford are overwhelmed by the support of the community in helping them reach the final stage in the awards, but are asking the community to take one step further. All votes from the previous round don’t count in the final, so be sure to vote again and show your support for The Higgins Bedford.”

The voting will close at 5pm on Friday 23 July. Visit https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote/art-gallery/ to cast your vote for The Higgins Bedford to win the award for Best Art Gallery in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.