Essex Freemason David Barton receives British Citizen Award for the Arts
Celebrating David’s dedication to inclusive creativity and lasting community impact across Essex and beyond
David Barton, an Essex Freemason and charity founder, has been selected for national recognition and will receive a British Citizen Award for Services to the Arts (BCAa). He is among a small number of individuals from across the United Kingdom to be honoured at the Palace of Westminster, recognising outstanding contributions to society through voluntary service.
The British Citizen Awards form part of The People’s Honours, a national recognition programme celebrating individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to society through civic commitment and voluntary service. Those selected are recognised for the positive and lasting impact they make within their communities and for their dedication to service for the good of the country.
The Services to the Arts category recognise individuals who use their creative discipline to benefit wider audiences, with a particular emphasis on accessibility, inclusion and equality.
David founded the charity Get Started Art in 2022. Since its inception, he has led the distribution of more than 1.5 million free art-therapy books and creative resources to children, schools, care homes and hospitals across Essex, the UK and internationally. The charity provides free arts and crafts materials and creative support to disadvantaged children, vulnerable adults, and individuals of all ages with learning disabilities or additional needs.
Rather than focusing on traditional models of art education, David’s work places accessibility at its core. His art-therapy resources are designed for individuals who may not otherwise have access to creative outlets, including children with additional needs, care home residents, people recovering from trauma, and those living in refuge or supported accommodation. By ensuring materials are simple, inclusive and engaging, barriers to participation are reduced regardless of age, ability or background.
Alongside his charitable work, David has also played a wider civic leadership role within Essex Freemasonry. With the support of other Provinces, he has led county-wide and national initiatives linked to Children’s Mental Health Week and Dementia Action Week. These initiatives have helped connect Masonic charitable activity with wider civic and volunteer networks, including projects delivered in partnership with the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI).
David’s sustained contribution to civic and community life has previously been recognised through a number of honours, including an Essex High Sheriff’s Award, multiple Mayoral Roll of Honour awards, and formal recognition at the Pride of Essex Awards. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), reflecting his commitment to creativity as a practical force for public benefit.
Recipients of the British Citizen Award are presented with a specially struck Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’, at a formal ceremony held at the Palace of Westminster and David’s medal presentation will take place on 22 January.
The event will be hosted by television and radio presenter Konnie Huq and attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins DBE and The Right Honourable The Lord Mott OBE. Following the ceremony, recipients will take part in a formal open-top ceremonial procession through central London as part of the national honours celebrations.
For more information of the British Citizen Awards click the link to their website: https://www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk/about-2/
Photos:
Top: David with his Get Started Art books
Right: David (left) with representatives of the Order of Women Freemasons, Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, Thurrock Mayor and Essex Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Chris Hicks (right)
Left: One of the Zones of Regulation books designed and donated to support neurodiverse children