Kevin Ryan was an outstanding photographer, a community champion and the creative, innovative and well-loved CEO of Charnwood Arts.

He died on 22 April 2020 after a 6-month illness with asbestos-related lung cancer (mesothelioma).

Kev was instrumental in setting up many programmes and initiatives that have enhanced the lives of the people of Charnwood and beyond for nearly 40 years. He did much to make the cultural landscape of Charnwood what it is today and to encourage others to do the same.

He was always supportive of the work of other creatives and many of us working in the arts owe Kev so much for the knowledge, skills and encouragement he so generously shared, along with the opportunities he put our way.

Lockdown restrictions are currently denying us the chance to join together to celebrate Kev’s contributions to Charnwood and his outstanding achievements in Community and Participatory Arts Development.

Therefore, this campaign has been set up - with the permission of Kev’s family and his colleagues at Charnwood Arts - to show appreciation for all that Kev did and to help continue one small part of his work in the creative community.

Kev was passionate about encouraging creativity in others, within all age groups.

Hence the Kevin Ryan Photography Award, to give equipment and practical support to developing photographers. The award will be implemented by Charnwood Arts and overseen by the Ryan family.

50% of whatever money is raised by this campaign will go to the award, and  

50% of the money - at the request of Kev’s family - will go to Mesothelioma UK, a charity supporting people with the disease from which Kev suffered. You can find out more about the charity here.

Photo of Kev Ryan used with the kind permission of Ashok Mistry.