Standing ovation as John Laidlaw receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 NRTF Conference

The National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF) has announced John Laidlaw as the recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his decades long contribution to rural touring, community arts and cultural access across the UK.

John is the Executive Director of Live & Local, an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation which supports the rural touring provision across seven Midlands counties.

A widely respected figure in the rural arts sector, John has spent 35 years championing high-quality arts in rural, remote and underserved communities. Throughout his career, he has shaped the landscape of rural touring, strengthened networks between artists and venues, and ensured that audiences in small, rural communities enjoy the same cultural opportunities as those in major cities.

The award was presented to John by Laura Dyer MBE, Deputy Chief Executive of Arts Council England at the 2026 NRTF Conference held from 9 – 11 June at Wolverhampton Arts Centre. Delegates from across the UK gathered to celebrate innovation, collaboration and the future of rural touring. Laidlaw received a standing ovation as colleagues, artists and partners acknowledged his leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to the sector.

Abigail Reeve, Director of the National Rural Touring Forum praised Laidlaw’s legacy, and said: “The National rural Touring Forum were delighted to be able to recognise John’s lifetime of commitment and dedication to the Rural Touring community at the Rural Touring Awards in June. John has dedicated himself to the support and development of this sector, both in the UK and internationally, and his passion is exemplary. A lifetime achievement award is not the end – but a recognition of the time dedicated to this amazing network – and we look forward to continuing to work with John on the next developments for us all.”

After accepting the award, Laidlaw reflected on the importance of rural touring and the communities it serves. He said: “It has been a privilege and a joy to work alongside so many passionate people who believe in bringing the arts to every corner of the UK. There were only six rural touring schemes when I started in 1992 and now there are 30! I’m amazed at how far we’ve come. It’s fantastic. Rural touring is built on connection, creativity and community – and I’m so proud to have played a part in its story.”

The NRTF Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and long term service to rural arts. Laidlaw joins a distinguished group of past recipients whose work has shaped the national cultural landscape.

In June 2019, John was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the arts, receiving the award at an investiture at Buckingham Palace in January 2020.