John Laidlaw, Executive Director of Live & Local, has received the National Rural Touring Forum’s (NRTF) prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising more than three decades of dedication to bringing professional live arts to rural communities across the UK.
The award was presented by Laura Dyer MBE, Deputy Chief Executive of Arts Council England, during the 2026 NRTF Conference at Wolverhampton Arts Centre, where Laidlaw received a standing ovation from colleagues and delegates.
For 35 years, Laidlaw has been a driving force behind rural touring, helping connect artists with community venues and expanding access to high-quality live performance. Through Live & Local, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, he has helped support rural touring across seven Midlands counties while contributing to the sector’s growth nationally and internationally.
NRTF Director Abigail Reeve praised his contribution, saying: “John has dedicated himself to the support and development of this sector, both in the UK and internationally, and his passion is exemplary. We look forward to continuing to work with John on the next developments for us all.”
Accepting the award, Laidlaw reflected on the growth of rural touring since he began in 1992. “There were only six rural touring schemes when I started and now there are 30. Rural touring is built on connection, creativity and community, and I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in its story.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional long-term contribution to rural arts. It follows Laidlaw’s appointment as an MBE in 2019 for services to the arts, an honour he received at Buckingham Palace in 2020.