We’re absolutely delighted to announce that Eco Drama has won the Environmental Social Enterprise award at the 2024 Social Enterprise Awards Scotland sponsored by HIE, Scottish Enterprise, and SOSE. This prestigious award, presented in the Scottish Parliament building, celebrates the dedication of our entire team including staff, freelance drama artists, touring performers, board members, and volunteers, who work tirelessly to enhance children’s connection to nature and the environment.
Since our founding in 2007 by Artistic Director Emily Reid, Eco Drama has grown from a small, passionate team into a thriving charitable company. In recent years, we’ve focused on sustainable growth, achieving over 50% earned income in 2023-24 for the first time, a milestone for the organisation. In reflecting upon the award, Emily Reid said:
“Eco Drama has remained adaptable and resilient throughout the last 17 years as we strive to fulfil our social and environmental objectives, whilst operating as a sustainable enterprise. The recognition that this award brings is a testimony to the work of our small, passionate team, and provides a renewed boost of energy as we continue our work – inspiring wonder, curiosity and care for nature.”
Last year, we undertook a full rebrand with Bold Studio (who are sponsors of the One to Watch category) and launched a new website, reflecting our commitment to growth, adaptability, and expanding access to digital resources. Adapting to a precarious economic landscape, we’ve demonstrated agility in our programming, whilst continually evolving our work to meet the needs of the children, and communities we serve, and of course our amazing living planet.
The Eco Drama office team with Scottish First Minister John Swinney
2024 is a bustling year for us, with 37 dates scheduled for The Forgotten Orchard tour across schools, community venues and theatres in Glasgow and throughout Scotland. We have so far delivered four Out to Play residencies this year, with two more planned for Spring 2025. Additionally, we’ve been re-engaging with the Townhead Community Orchard and will be planting a new orchard in Pollok on November 30, 2024, with two further years of community involvement lined up. Through raising environmental awareness and action through the arts, we hope to inspire future generations to make small steps towards big positive change.
We’re so grateful for the support of the sector and we’re excited for the continued growth and impact Eco Drama will bring to communities across Scotland. It was wonderful to meet some of the other inspirational nominees and winners on the night. You can read more about them on the Social Enterprise Scotland website and in Scottish Business News. We have also been invited to attend the Social Enterprise UK awards in London in December, so fingers crossed for another win!
The Eco Drama office team celebrate with other attendees at Scottish Parliament
