(Worldwide) – Archifos and Parrot PR and Marketing have launched the Silhouette Awards – a new awards programme designed to shine a light on emerging talent within the lighting industry. Focused on providing support to young professionals, the Silhouette Awards will provide a platform to showcase young industry talent, offering much-deserved recognition and publicity for their achievements to date, followed by six months of mentorship with a senior lighting professional. The newly launched awards have garnered significant industry support, with supporters including [d]arc media, apdi, Designers Mind, IALD, Lightecture, Skills Army and the SLL, while sponsors to date include Delta Light, Filix Lighting, formalighting and Vode Lighting. The goal for the awards is to find the industry’s rising stars, who have the vision and ambition to steer and lead the industry in the coming years. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to an interview led by an expert panel of judge mentors, comprising senior influential lighting designers who are on the lookout to nurture young talent and help other likeminded individuals benefit from their own personal experiences. The panel of judge mentors comprises a dynamic group of senior lighting professionals from across the world, all aligned with the vision of giving back to the industry. The line-up of mentors includes: Melissa Mak, Marcus Steffen, Suzan Tillotson, David Gilbey, Dario Nunez Salazar, Monica Luz Lobo, Linus Lopez, Beata Denton, Fernando Mazzetti, Sam Koerbel, Lara Elbaz, Anna Sbokou, Rouzana Kopti, Ruth Kelly Waskett, Martin Klassen, Star Davis, Michael Grubb, Marci Song, Jonathan Rush and Victor Palacio. Eve Gaut, Founder of Parrot PR and Marketing, commented: “We felt there was a real gap in the market in rewarding and supporting the latest talent in our industry through something more than a conventional awards programme. Asa mentor, I feel strongly that young people should be supported, and given the opportunity to rise and excel further, so the Silhouette Awards seemed the perfect project for Parrot and Archifos to collaborate on. We have a shared passion to nurture young people, and to give back to the industry that we love so much. We feel confident the Silhouette Awards will deliver just that.” Katia Kolovea, Founder of Archifos, added: “Having been recognised for my commitment to the industry at a young age, I strongly believe that there needs to be a platform for the rising stars of today – one that goes beyond a trophy and offers continued support. “Receiving recognition early in my career proved to be invaluable to me and my future endeavours, and I hope the Silhouette Awards will also provide others with this opportunity to shine, build confidence and discover their professional potential with the support of their mentor. Mentorship is important for growth in all aspects of life and the mentor-mentee relationship is vital for everyone to experience.” For more info on the Silhouette Awards and how you can get involved, contact info@silhouetteawards.com. www.silhouetteawards.com