Manchester born national opera director, RNCM teacher and Feelgood Theatre Productions founder Caroline Clegg was honoured at the She Inspires awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless work for over 30years in grassroots theatre and opera.
Caroline Clegg explains how much this award means to her;
“I was truly honoured to receive the She Inspires Lifetime Achievement Award last night. It was deeply humbling to be recognised for my work, and even more moving to stand alongside so many inspirational women who are creating real change across the world.
I’ve always been a glass-half-full kind of person, so despite the “lifetime” part of the award; yes, I admit, I’ve been at this for decades! It still feels as though I’m only just getting started. There are so many more stories waiting to be told: true stories that spark change, magical stories that nurture wellbeing, and creative stories that ensure theatre, music and art are accessible to everyone. I firmly believe that, just like maths, the arts belong at the very heart of our core curriculum.
Whether I’m making an open-air theatre show in the rain, working in a school, or directing on the international operatic stage, my passion for the arts never wavers. As a young farmer’s daughter, I was once told by teachers not to have “ideas above my station” and I’m so grateful I didn’t listen. Along the way, I have been blessed to meet inspirational women at pivotal moments who truly ‘saw’ me, lifted me when doubts crept in, and encouraged me to keep going.
But the greatest credit goes to my mum; a hardworking, inspirational, creative lady who never stopped learning.
She taught me to make my own opportunities, work hard, and stay true to myself and it is her light within me that never dims.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and heartfelt thanks to the She Inspires organisation for its integrity and vision. I will cherish this award, continue the journey, and hope I can inspire others to be the very best they can be. With education and the arts, the absolutely anything is possible!”
You can read more about Caroline Clegg’s award winning career and company she founded here –
https://www.carolineclegg.com/
https://www.feelgoodtheatre.co.uk/