Essex Freemason David Barton to be honoured with a British Citizen Award for Services to the Arts (BCAa)

The award category recognises individuals who have excelled in the arts by using their chosen discipline to achieve inspirational impact for the benefit of a wider audience. It celebrates achievements that promote diversity, equality, and accessibility.

Since launching ‘Get Started Art’ in 2022, David has overseen the distribution of more than 1.5 million free art‑therapy books and creative resources to children, schools, care homes, and hospitals across the UK. Founded by him, the charity provides free arts and crafts materials and support to disadvantaged children, vulnerable adults, and people of all ages with learning disabilities or special educational needs, not only across Essex and the UK, but now also within communities internationally.

Rather than focusing on traditional art education, his approach centres on accessibility. The art‑therapy resources are designed for those who may not otherwise have access to creative outlets, including children with additional needs, residents in care homes, people recovering from trauma, and individuals living in refuge or supported accommodation. By creating materials that are simple, thoughtful, and engaging, barriers are removed and participation is encouraged regardless of age, ability, or background.

Alongside this charitable work, David has played a wider civic leadership role as Provincial Community Engagement Lead in Essex. In this capacity, he has led national campaigns supporting Children’s Mental Health Week and Dementia Action Week, connecting charitable initiatives with wider civic and volunteer networks. Through the support of multiple Provinces within the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), this work has reached some of the UK’s most vulnerable people and achieved nationwide impact.

This sustained contribution as a community leader has earned national recognition and has also seen David Barton appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), reflecting his commitment to creativity, social progress, and public benefit. His work has further been recognised through an Essex High Sheriff’s Award, two Mayoral Roll of Honour awards, and two Honourable Mentions at the Pride of Essex Awards. He has also been granted the Freedom of the City of London, one of the UK’s most historic civic honours, with the admission ceremony scheduled for April.

The British Citizen Award (BCA) is one of the UK’s most respected civic honours, recognising individuals who make an exceptional contribution to their communities through sustained charitable and voluntary service. Presented at the Palace of Westminster and awarded to only a small number of people nationwide each year, the BCA is widely regarded as a mark of national significance and is often described as ‘the people’s honours’.

The presentation will take place on 22 January at the Palace of Westminster and will be hosted by The Rt Hon. Lord Dholakia OBE DL, Patron of the British Citizen Awards (BCA). Following the ceremony, medalists will enjoy an open‑top lap of honour tour of London.