The Fools Awards will be entering its sixth year in 2008 and Copy Dog, the company that runs the awards, invites producers, organizations and members of the arts community to submit nominations in the various categories.

The Fools Awards is an annual online voting system which allows the public to vote for their favourite movers and shakers in KwaZulu-Natal, ensuring local artists receive the accolades they deserve.

Voting covers the previous year in the genres of theatre, dance, music and a general category for visual artists, radio personalities and writers.

Winners are announced on 1 April every year.

Several Impact Awards are presented to people or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in their particular field. Selection for this category is not open to public vote.

Charisma Awards are given to two artists who garner the most interesting and supportive comments from their fans.

The Smart Award, named in honour of Caroline Smart, is presented to one person in recognition of their lifetime achievement in a particular field.

All winners receive a beautifully crafted Jester’s Trophy, or Ninny Stick designed by gifted Durban artist Wendy Nel.

Some producers feel they are not taken into account when the initial list of nominees is compiled. For this reason producers are invited to submit details of their productions for the period January 1 to December 31 2007. Only artists and organizations that are based in KwaZulu-Natal or spend a significant amount of time in the province are eligible.

A sample nomination form can be obtained by emailing copydog@artslink.co.za