If you know of a terrific thespian, magnificent musician, wonderful writer or creative craftswoman then nominate her for this flamboyant category, which is being sponsored by Belleek Pottery.

Your nominee in the competition, which is being run in association with Spar, can be any woman in the performing arts, music, the written word or a visual medium, whether behind the scenes or in public.

She should be a woman who has truly maximised her talents.

And she could go on to be a guest of honour at the gala BT Woman of the Year Awards ceremony to be held in Belfast's Europa Hotel on Wednesday, November 28.

Compered by BBC Radio Ulster presenter Wendy Austin, the night promises to be a celebration of the most inspirational women in Northern Ireland.

One man who knows all about creating sensational theatre masterpieces is Belfast playwright Alan McKee.

One half of the hugely popular comedy duo that penned 'The History Of The Troubles (Accordin' To My Da)', Alan and his co-writer Conor Grimes have been responsible for a string of hilarious hits since they met at Queen's University and first burst on to the stage in their alternative Christmas pantomime, Button's Hole, back in 1998.

Their latest production, The Duke of Hope, is currently running as part of the Belfast Festival at Queen's and will go on tour around the province afterwards.

He secretly reveals how he hopes the Arts category of the competition might be scooped by a female Ulster writer.

"Women are often underrepresented in certain spheres, but the arts is perhaps one where this is not necessarily the case," he says.

"As a writer, of course, I'd like to see the award go to a writer; especially as there are a number of new female voices writing for theatre and about women's issues who I would love to see get it.

"The awards are a wonderful opportunity to encourage newcomers who are at the beginning of their careers in the arts sector.

"And as writers can often do their work in something of a vacuum, it is good to raise consciousness about what they are creating."

John Maguire, managing director of Belleek Pottery Group says: "Belleek Living is delighted to sponsor the 2007 BT Woman of the Year in the Arts Award.

"The vibrant local arts scene boasts such a diverse range of talent and we fully support this recognition of a woman who has shown inspirational dedication to her work and commitment to the development of the Arts in Northern Ireland.

"Belleek Living believes in the importance of nurturing creative flair and passion for innovative ideas.

"We recognise the powerful and therapeutic benefits of self-expression and the positive impact that the Arts have on everyday life.

"I would like to congratulate all the nominees and commend their achievements in enriching the lives of so many."

You can enter the competition by telling us in under 200 words why your nominee should win in their category. For each of the nine categories the nominee should have been in her line of work for a least a year and have demonstrated a particular achievement.

You should say how she has inspired others and how she has shown passion, drive and energy in her endeavours.

You can send your entry to womanoftheyear@belfasttelegraph.co.uk or post it to BT Woman of the Year, Belfast Telegraph, 124-144 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1EB. And, by nominating someone, you and a friend are in with a chance of winning one of five pairs of tickets for the gala ceremony, worth £100. The closing date for entries is November 12. If you want to attend the ceremony you can buy tickets, priced £50, from JPR (tel: 9076 0066). Nominees and those nominating must be over 18.