The City Lit Awards 2025 celebrated the outstanding work and achievements of various students, tutors, staff and friends from across the college, as well as the transformation adult learning can bring.

City Lit held a special awards ceremony on Tuesday 18th November, with Guest of Honour City Lit Fellow Claudette Johnson MBE, who was formally presented with her City Lit Fellowship certificate on the night. Johnson also took to the stage to personally award certificates to this year’s winners, bringing a lovely energy to the room as she handed out the awards.

Claudette Johnson is one of the UK’s most influential visual artists, known for her powerful figurative work that explores the presence, dignity, and identity of Black women. A founding member of the BLK Art Group in the 1980s, her career has helped reshape the landscape of contemporary British art and continues to inspire new generations of artists and learners.

Celebrating excellence in teaching and learning at City Lit

What an amazing night! The City Lit Awards 2025 were a fantastic celebration. We were thrilled to welcome our students, tutors, colleagues and special guests who inspired us all with their incredible journeys.

The Awards have become an annual tradition, where they honour those who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and resilience in the face of challenges. 

The event was made even more special with the presence of our guest of honour, Claudette Johnson. City Lit colleague Edward Breen was this year’s Master of Ceremonies for the evening. 

The night concluded with a drinks reception in the City Lit Gallery, where our awardees were able to celebrate alongside each other, and members of their friends and families. 

Congratulations to all the winners and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making the City Lit Awards a night to remember.

(photographer: Michael Harding)