Picture Jason Clarke

PwC once again hosted the annual Business to Arts’ CEO Forum. The Forum is a group of over 100 leaders from business and the arts in Ireland who come together to discuss new challenges and strategies, and share their insights.  The 2018 CEO Forum focused on how data and data insights are informing business decisions and helping business growth. Our panellists included:

• Vincent Harrison, Managing Director, Dublin Airport
• Sandra Collins, Director of The National Library of Ireland
• Michael Duffy, CEO, Royal Dublin Society
• Leonard McAuliffe, Director, PwC

As part of preparation for the CEO Forum, a two-phase PwC & Business to Arts survey was carried out among arts and cultural organisations affiliated to Business to Arts. It aimed to identify the levels of preparedness, opportunities and challenges that were presented by GDPR. The first survey was carried out in April 2018. Those who had participated in the first survey were contacted again in September 2018 to examine their position in relation to GDPR four months after the implementation deadline.

PWC & Business to Arts research reveals:

• In April 2018, 68% of respondents said they had started the process to become GDPR compliant. In September 2018, 100% of respondents reported that they are continuing to take steps to ensure their GDPR compliance
• In April 2018, respondents expected that GDPR compliance would create challenges in relation to their marketing and fundraising performance. Namely:

89% expected increased administration

63% expected additional governance and compliance requirements

58% expected increased human resource time

30% expected increased risk and financial cost

• In September 2018, respondents identified that the most difficult aspects of becoming GDPR compliant were understanding what was required, allocation of appropriate time, and ensuring appropriate levels of staffing
• In September 2018, 57% of respondents reported that they have seen benefits of GDPR implementation. Benefits include enhanced targeting of audiences, increased open rates of email communications and increased transparency

Speaking about the survey findings,

Leonard McAuliffe, Director, PwC Cyber practice, said: “Business and arts organisations collate personal data for events, sponsorship and another reasons and each organisation, regardless of its size, must ensure that this data is protected and properly held in accordance with the regulations. In our experience, businesses and arts organisations have employed significant resources, time and expense, to be GDPR compliant, and this work is ongoing. It is important that the benefits of GDPR, including improved transparency over safe data storage, better engagement with stakeholders and enhanced public trust, are realised by all organisations, including those in the arts and cultural sector.”

Chief Executive of Business to Arts, Andrew Hetherington states:

‘With organisations more focused on enhancing audience insight and data usage, the corporate and cultural sectors have much to learn from each other about ways they can interact with and understand their audience or consumer. Importantly, in this new era of data regulation, our CEO Forum is focusing on the decisions that are informed or made using data analysis and insights as well as those that are informed by our experience’. 

Tamar Keane, Smashing Times Theatre Company, Andrew Hetherington, Chief Executive, Business to Arts, Artist Fergal McCarthy and pianist Máire Carroll at the Pearse Street Piano for the announcement of the recipients of the 2018 Small Grants Scheme under the Docklands Arts Fund. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

Today, Business to Arts announce this year’s recipients of the 2018 Small Grants scheme under the Docklands Arts Fund. The objective of the Docklands Arts Fund is to enhance and develop the appreciation of quality art experiences in the Docklands area. Fergal McCarthy (visual artist), Máire Carroll (pianist) & Smashing Times Theatre and Film Company will receive funding for each of their projects, which will be based in Dublin’s Docklands over the next year.

The Docklands Arts Fund, is a partnership between Business to Arts, Dublin City Council and local businesses and individuals. In 2017/2018, 60 people supported the Docklands Arts Fund through donations of cash and proceeds from the sale of the annual Docklands Arts Fund Print Commission. The three projects are:

• Fergal McCarthy will spend several months researching source material relating to the Dublin Docklands to create a book, delivering an engaging, humorous account of the story of the Docklands. This book will be distributed without cost to local primary schools in the Docklands area, with Fergal hosting presentations of the project to school pupils. blogspot.com/

• Pianist Máire Carroll will bring her Hidden Piano’s music series, aimed at bringing contemporary and classical music to new audiences in unexpected places, to primary school students in the Docklands area. Máire will work with students to engage and encourage them to explore music, and together compose a piece using their individual musical and lyrical ideas. mairecarroll.com

• Smashing Times is a professional company involved in performance, training and participation. The company will deliver 4 participatory drama workshops, theatre performances and post-show discussions in the Docklands area to promote positive mental health and suicide prevention as part of ‘Acting for the Future’. smashingtimes.ie

Andrew Hetherington, Chief Executive, Business to Arts states:

‘Local community engagement is at the core of Docklands Arts Fund activity. Each year it continues to build a reputation for quality arts experiences that bring those who live and work in the environment together through creative collaborations. Our 2018 Small Grants recipients will create performances, workshops and publications, which respond to audiences and the context of the Docklands’.    

To learn more about the Docklands Arts Fund click here

‘Tríocha bliain ag cothú comhpháirtíochtaí’. Over the past 30 years, Business to Arts have enabled, developed and supported creative partnerships between the corporate and cultural sectors in Ireland through commissioning, sponsorship, staff engagement, training and bespoke events. The creation of ‘Tríocha’, in conjunction with Terroirs marks this special milestone and celebrates the achievements of Business to Arts to date.

When Seán and Françoise Gilley of Terroirs realised that 2018 would mark Business to Arts 30th Anniversary they wanted to make a special contribution. Since the early 90’s the Gilley’s have been fervent supporters of Business to Arts creative and professional projects within the art world.

Wine-making is also a form of artistry. Since 1994 Françoise and Seán Gilley have been focusing on sourcing and importing hand-selected wines produced by family-owned properties who respect nature.

The Gilley’s approached wine grower and wine maker Sylvain Morey of Bastide du Claux from the Luberon in Provence. An art lover, Morey farms his vineyards organically and crafts excellent wines in Provence and also in Burgundy. Sylvain was indeed thrilled and proud to produce two special wines for Business to Arts 30th Anniversary in conjunction with Terroirs.

Such a special wine deserves a distinct name. ‘Tríocha’ was an obvious name for the occasion. In a subtle way it denotes the 30 years that Business to Arts have persisted in developing and supporting creative partnerships between the corporate and cultural sectors in Ireland.

With a high proportion of Grenache Blanc and Vermentino from thirty year old vines, ‘Tríocha’ white 2016 displays subtle and fine aromas of honeysuckle and stone fruit which both entice and satisfy. ‘Tríocha’ is delicate, fresh and pristine which makes it a great partner for seafood.

The perfectly ripe berries of Syrah and Grenache noir from thirty five year old vines produced the very attractive ‘Tríocha’ rouge 2016. The palate delivers notes of delicate black and red fruit followed by a subtle layer of spices. Vibrant and luxurious with a silky texture, this wine will pair beautifully with grilled meats and cheese.

‘Tríocha’ was served to guests at the 2018 Allianz Business to Arts Awards on Sept 4th at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

‘Tríocha’ can purchased for €23.50 at Terroirs in Donnybrook & a percentage of sales will be donated to our Arts Fund. Corporate packages are available and Business to Arts members will receive a 20% discount. Please contact info@businesstoarts.ie for further details. 

This year, Business to Arts celebrates its 30th anniversary and it is the right time to look forward and set out a plan for what we can achieve over the period 2018–2023.

We believe that our work advocating for, supporting and developing creative partnerships has never been more relevant. This five-year plan is inspired by the resilience we have witnessed in recent years and by our stakeholders’ ambitions for the future.

Since our foundation in 1988, we have brokered, enabled and supported a wide range of creative partnerships between businesses, individuals and the arts. This work involves multi-layered relationships with our corporate members and arts affiliates in order to develop solutions in areas such as sponsorship, CSR, commissioning, philanthropy, staff engagement, art collections, internal and external communications and client events. In addition to this, we also work with our arts affiliates providing a range of training opportunities to help diversify income streams, grow audiences and improve efficiencies.

Our corporate membership base and network ranges across the business sectors from local family-run companies, SMEs, semi-state companies to FDIs and corporate foundations. Our arts affiliate base extends from individual artists to the National Cultural Institutions, and includes all art forms.

We invite feedback on this Strategic Plan from our stakeholders. Please direct any observations, feedback or suggested enhancements before 5pm, Monday 15th October 2018 to info@businesstoarts.ie or +353 1 662 9238.

Business to Arts Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023 (Low Res 1MB)
Business to Arts Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023 (Hi Res 6MB)

Andrew Hetherington, with Aibhlínn Doheny, Music Generation Student from Portlaoise who are currently participating in Music Generation’s national programme, now in its 8th year, Sean McGrath, Allianz CEO and Rosaleen Molloy, Music Generation National Director, pictured together at the announcement of U2 & The Ireland Funds with supporters Bank of America and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation as winners of the Best Long-Term Partnership for ‘Music Generation’ at the 2018 Allianz Business to Arts Awards.’ Pic. Robbie Reynolds

Hennessy, William Fry, BNP Paribas, Colourtrend, Bank of America were among the winners in 11 categories at the 27^th annual Allianz Business to Arts Awards ceremony at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre tonight.

This year’s Allianz Business to Arts Awards, attracted a high levels of entries, increased regional activity and long-term partnerships that continue to evolve through diverse activation campaigns. Over €13m spent on arts sponsorships submitted. The Awards recognise businesses, artists and arts organisations that develop creative partnerships and bring businesses and the arts into mutually beneficial relationships across society. The evening was a celebration of the most innovative and creative partnerships in Ireland in 2017/2018.

The 2018 Allianz Business to Arts Awards Winners are:

Best Use of Creativity in the Community

Bray Municipal District with Bray Credit Union, Megazyme & Platform Pizza with Chris Judge and Donna Carroll for ‘Brave Maeve Children’s Myth & Art Trail’

Best Creative Staff Engagement

William Fry & Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation for ‘Incognito’

Jim McNaughton Perpetual Award for Best Commissioning Practice   

MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Ani Mollereau for ‘Kilkenny Famine Experience Sculpture’

Jim McNaughton / TileStyle €10,000 Bursary for Artists   

Aisling O’Mara

Allianz Community Art Award

The Forget-Me-Nots Choir

daa €5,000 Arts Award

Waterford Walls

Best Small Sponsorship – under €15,000 value 

Colourtrend & Waterford Walls for ‘Waterford Walls International Street Art Festival’

Best Long Term Partnership

U2 & The Ireland Funds with support from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for ‘Music Generation’, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by the Department of Education and Skills & Local Music Education Partnerships

Best Large Sponsorship – over €50,000 value  

TileStyle for ‘TileStyle Supporting the Arts’

Best Mid-Size Sponsorship – over €15,000 – €50,000 value

BNP Paribas & IMMA for ‘IMMA Collection: Freud Project 2016-2021’

Judges’ Special Recognition Award for Portfolio of Investment  

Hennessy for ‘Hennessy Art Fund for IMMA’, ‘Hennessy Literary Awards’ with New Irish Writing and The Irish Times, and ‘Hennessy Lost Friday’ with Royal Hibernian Academy
Leading the congratulations among over 500 business and arts leaders at the theatre was Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD. 

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht said:

“The Awards play a vital role in benchmarking models of good practice in Ireland, and a platform to showcase ideas. With the central tenets of the Awards being innovation and creativity, they constantly attract the best creative talent in Ireland to create a memorable event that inspires those who attend to engage more with Ireland’s cultural community and industry.”

Speaking at the announcement of the winners, Sean McGrath, CEO of Allianz Ireland, said:

“The 30th anniversary of Business to Arts as an organisation this year gives us even more reason to celebrate. As partners of the Allianz Business to Arts Awards for 18 years now, we have seen how this process of arts and business collaboration has enriched us in ways you cannot measure. Ireland has changed beyond recognition. In that time, and even now, the one constant was the arts’ contribution in helping us better understand our cultural identity and how it helps Ireland thrive in challenging times.

Andrew Hetherington, Chief Executive of Business to Arts, said:

‘As we celebrate Business to Arts’ 30^th Anniversary, we recognise the importance of the Awards to our organisations mission – to enable, develop and support creative partnerships. Celebrating and showcasing best-practice national and regional partnerships that have taken place this past year, encourages businesses in Ireland and abroad to look to the arts and identify ways to address business, social and environmental needs.’

2018 marks the 27^th anniversary of the Allianz Business to Arts Awards, which recognise businesses, artists and arts organisations that develop and sustain creative partnerships. The awards recognise large, mid-sized, small and long-term sponsorships, staff engagement activities, commissioning, corporate social responsibility programme, community engagement and portfolio-based partnerships.

For the 27th anniversary of the Allianz Business to Arts Awards, the awards sculpture once again has been commissioned by daa. This year’s sculpture was created by Dublin based artist Ed Miliano.  Ed took inspiration for ‘Shine’ from the skyline he passed by in Tokyo on the way from his home to his studio. A sun, imagined as a cut-out circle, rises above the city and sheds light, allowing light and creativity to flow through the city.