* Creative Lives Awards 2024 - Local Hero Award *  

Mya Chemonges-Murzynowska volunteers as the co-founder of the African Caribbean Asian Mixed Heritage Association.

During the Creative Lives Awards ceremony on 26 September 2024, Mya was given the Local Hero Award, in recognition of her work in Inverness bringing communities together with creativity and compassion. 

Phoenix Archer, Community Engagement Officer at Creative Lives, introduced Mya with the following:

"The Local Hero Award is about recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the arts and creative development in a local community. When choosing such a person, we look for someone who has made a massive impact in their community and who is an integral part of an organisation, group or community. A person who encourages people to come together and attend events and sessions. Someone who is a leader, supporter, fire starter, motivator, a dreamer, a mover and shaker. 

"A quote from the Scottish organisation, The Melting Pot’s Bridging Communities, their cross-sector networking project to help bridge communities to spark new connections and collaborations: 'In a world where it's easy to remain within our comfort zones, stepping out is where the magic happens. New people, new perspectives: these chance connections are our opportunity to spark ideas, solve challenges and innovate through the collision of perspectives.' The recipient of this year’s Local Hero Award lovingly helps others to come out of their comfort zones, create magic, bringing new people together supporting diverse perspectives and, solving challenges with grace and determination.

"This person hails from the far north of Scotland in Inverness and has roots in beautiful Kenya. This individual volunteers as the co-founder of the African Caribbean Asian Mixed Heritage Association.

"Being a founder of an organisation is hard but rewarding work and being in this role during the pandemic is monumental. But this person did just that. They host in-person and online cultural and heritage events linked to dance, storytelling, language preservation and community development for adults and children in Inverness and the shire. There is a lack of BIPOC representation in the Highlands and Islands in Scotland but with their support, there are more cultural creative activities that encourage leadership experience in these locations.

"They have supported their group’s members to do community-led research projects in rural areas on topics such as climate change and mental health. They are passionate about advocacy work by hosting regular mental health and wellbeing workshops with healthcare, legal and creativity professionals. I personally witnessed this individual bringing the local community together to support refugees in the area by sourcing food, accommodation and helping these individuals to feel less isolated. This person describes themselves as a lady, a Nubian queen and a storm conqueror.

"From their own words, they said: 'I use my own life experiences to lobby for change. I have been described as "the voice of the voiceless". I am passionate about advocating for equity. I am driven to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers and taboos all while embracing cultural and traditional differences. I am passionate about helping others maximise their full potential despite their surroundings and ensuring they are equipped with the best possible holistic support and advise so as to make informed decisions.'

"It is an honour and with so much joy I wish to present Mya with the 2024 Creative Lives Local Hero Award."

[Pictured: Phoenix Archer, Creative Lives; Mya Chemonges-Murzynowska; Lewis Hou, Creative Lives]