Fiona has been shortlisted in the culture category of Wales’ St David Awards, which are nominated by the public and judged by Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford.
The culture award recognises individuals who have excelled in the arts, made a strong contribution to culture and have succeeded in putting Wales on the world stage.
Green Man is Wales’ largest music, science and arts festival, attracting thousands of people from around the world to the Brecon Beacons, contributes £10 million to the economy every year and uses its 1.8 billion media reach to put Wales on the map.
Fiona said: “It’s an honour to be nominated for the St David Award for culture and I very am grateful to the people who nominated me and delighted that I am being considered.
“Any success I have is really down to the wonderful friends and family who create Green Man with me. Our love and affection for Wales is shared by the people who attend Green Man events, who all agree that this is a wonderful country with many assets, the biggest of which are its people.”
Currently Fiona is the only woman with controlling ownership of a large UK festival, has been the recipient of the top festival accolade of ‘Outstanding Contribution to UK Festivals’ and is 24th on BBC’s Women in Music Power List.
Fiona founded the Green Man Trust charity in 2013 which has supported 3000 artists, trained 2000 people, 200 science engagement projects and 27 Welsh community projects.
Fiona’s nomination has proved a popular choice and generated many comments of support. Colin Riordan, Vice Chancellor of Cardiff University, said: “Through Green Man Fiona Stewart makes a unique and enormously valuable contribution to cultural life in Wales. Her values-driven festival is not only a showcase for the best talent we have to offer, but an internationally visible beacon for the importance of culture in its broadest sense. Fiona’s drive, commitment and creativity lies behind an event that draws many thousands of people from all over the world and makes a massive economic as well as cultural contribution to our country.”
Victoria Winkler, Director of the Bevan Foundation Wales, said: “Green Man is one of Wales’ great successes, but it’s the work Fiona does for disadvantaged people and communities in Wales that is overlooked – over the years thousands of people have benefited. To use the success of Green Man in this way is admirable and rare – Fiona champions Wales and I am delighted this has been recognised.”
Alun Llwyd Director of Turnstile, Wales leading Music Management company, stated: “The influence Green Man has to promote Welsh music, art and culture internationally is second to none, Fiona thoroughly deserves this honour.” Welsh Harpist, Performer and Composer Catrin Finch agreed: “Green Man’s reputation as a headline maker is a massive opportunity for Welsh performers because whoever performs at a Green Man event is noticed by the music industry. It’s wonderful that this international event is Welsh and Fiona’s work has been recognised.” Welsh Band, Boy Azooga said that: “Fiona’s Green Man is a huge boost to up-and-coming Welsh artists. Seeing your name on the poster alongside your heroes from around the world is really encouraging!”
Key Welsh film industry figures showed their support, Natasha Hale, COO of Bad Wolf said: “From the moment we set up Bad Wolf we sought out Fiona Stewart as Green Man is synonymous with everything that is cool, brilliant and amazing about Wales and is driven by Fiona’s creative talent, ethical spirit and passion.”
Game of Thrones Welsh actor and musician, Iwan Rheon supported Fiona’s nomination: “Fiona has created the cool Welsh brand that speaks to the world and made sure we are part of the conversation – so many people have gained from her commitment to equality and fairness – the impact of Green Man goes far beyond the festival days and leaves a positive legacy throughout the year.”
David Partridge, Managing Partner at Argent LLP Property Developers of Kings Cross echoed this sentiment of support and said: “Kings Cross reached out to Green Man as an ideal event partner to support the re-imagining of the newly developed Kings Cross estate. This disruptive Welsh brand has the integrity, creativity and influence which we wished to associate ourselves with and has been part of the successful transformation of Kings Cross as an innovative destination. Fiona has created a cool celebration of Welsh creativity and culture which is recognised internationally.”
The St David Awards 2019 Ceremony will take place at the Senedd on 21st March 2019.
