CultureMix Arts founder and artistic director Mary Genis has been recognised with the Putting Reading on the Map Award at the Caribbean Heritage Centre’s Community Awards, held at St Laurence’s Church on Saturday 12 September.
The award presented by the Mayor of Reading, celebrates Mary’s longstanding contribution to promoting Reading through music, culture and the arts from the CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, and particularly through her work with the award-winning Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO).
RASPO has proudly represented Reading for many years, and its recent appearances celebrating the 75th anniversary of London’s Southbank Centre and the 60th London Notting Hill Carnival have taken the town’s talent and cultural vibrancy to major national and international audiences.
With her dedicated CultureMix Arts team, Mary has championed steel pan music, carnival arts, young musicians and diverse cultural heritage, helping to build opportunities for artists while ensuring Reading is represented on some of the country’s most prestigious stages.
Receiving the award is a fitting recognition of her continued commitment to placing Reading firmly on the cultural map.
The Caribbean Heritage Centre Awards, conceived by director Burton Richards, brought the community together for an inspiring celebration of achievement, heritage and culture.
The well-attended event featured performances from Reading Gospel Choir, singer Julia Titus and vocalist Cliffton Medford.
The presentation of awards recognises individuals whose work has positively impacted others while shining a much deserved spotlight on the many unsung heroes whose contributions continue to enrich and strengthen Reading’s Black community.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS
– Child of Courage (under 16): Tiago Austin
– Community Legacy: Deano Jones
– Community Organisation of the Year: Barbados & Friends Association
– Community Spirit (Overall): Angela Bovell
– Cultural Contribution: Doris Allimadi
– Education & Mentorship: Deano Jones
– Entertainment: Julia Titus
– Entrepreneur for Community Good: Randolph Bancroft
– Faith & Community Service: Bishop Joel Thomas
– Green Community: Leroy Roach
– Inspiration: Tyler Hinkson
– Neighbourhood Champion: Grace Gomez
– Putting Reading on the Map: Mary Genis
– Sports: Beverley Goddard-Callender
– Volunteer of the Year: Patricia Bute
UNSUNG HEROES AWARDS
– Carer: Yvonne Harewood
– Elder’s Contribution: Peter Small
– Acts of Kindness: Barbara Scott
– Community Connector: Claudette Maharaj
– Community Health & Wellbeing Champion: Heather Husbands
– Compassion: Barbara Scott
– Everyday Volunteer: Ann Francois
– Hidden Cultural Guardian: Doris Allimadi
– Mentor: Claudette Maharaj
– Resilience & Strength: Grace Gomez
– Teacher: Victor Browne (In Memoriam)
– Unsung Community Hero: Simieon Howell
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD
– Sherwin Springer
