2023 Business to Arts Awards seeks nominations from cultural programmes supported by the private sector, with new Award focusing on access to the arts

Pictured making some noise about the 2023 Business to Arts Awards nominations launch was Noel Eccles, internationally acclaimed percussionist and TU Dublin Percussion Lecturer leading Awards partners Michelle Cullen, Accenture, Susan Jackson, Irish Life, Ger McNaughton, TileStyle, Denise Charlton, Community Foundation Ireland, and John McGrane, Kmend.

Tuesday, 21st March 2023

Today, Business to Arts launches its annual call for nominations, running from 21st March to Thursday 27th April.

The Business to Arts Awards is Ireland’s only event that recognises excellence in creative partnerships, where a business, philanthropic organisation or individual has supported the arts in a compelling way.

The Awards feature a range of categories that celebrate arts sponsorship, commissioning, philanthropy, staff engagement programmes, corporate social responsibility, access programmes, creative community initiatives, and more.

This year sees a new Award join the slate, the ‘Creative Access Award’ supported by the Community Foundation Ireland, which recognises corporate-sponsored creative programmes that allow marginalised or underrepresented communities to engage with the arts, be it through education, equipment, funding or more.

Speaking about the Award, Community Foundation Ireland’s Chief Executive Denise Charlton said:

“Community Foundation Ireland shares a mission of equality for all in thriving communities with its donors, supporters and 5,000 community partners. Access to arts is an equality issue. As Ireland’s philanthropic hub, the Community Foundation, is proud to sponsor the new Creative Access Award to acknowledge those who continue to break down barriers to make art, creative and colour open to all.”

The Awards has a total of 12 categories in 2023, that recognise the hard work of partnerships that range from small, community-based initiatives, through to large-scale, and long-term engagements with national reach.

Applications are welcomed from projects of all sizes and approaches, with the judges looking to award relationships that show true collaboration; considered investment of funds, time, or expertise; innovative concepts or relationship models; fresh ideas, and genuine impact.

This year’s new and returning Awards partners include Innovation Partner Accenture, the Arts Council, Community Foundation Ireland, daa, ESB, Irish Life, Kmend, The Irish Times, and TileStyle.

The annual Bursary programme features a total of three monetary prizes from TileStyle, Accenture, and daa. These bursaries will support emerging artists, digital artists, creative producers, and a chosen arts organisation from the main nominations to further their nominated project/programme.

Speaking about the launch of the nominations Louise O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Business to Arts:

‘We are thrilled to launch this year’s Business to Arts Awards nominations. The Awards provide a unique opportunity to show just how meaningful and impactful arts partnerships can be for both the corporate sector and the communities they serve. We are excited to learn about a new generation of creative partners and welcome our new Creative Access Award supported by Community Foundation Ireland.’

Michelle Cullen, Managing Director with Accenture in Ireland said:

‘As Innovation Partner, we continue to be inspired by the exciting ways in which Ireland’s corporate and cultural sectors collaborate to produce new perspectives and approaches to art. In awarding the Digital Innovation in Art bursary once again, we’re proud to provide support to an artist whose creations deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity.’

Martin O’Sullivan, Deputy Director of the Arts Council said:

‘We are very happy to return as sponsor of the Best Philanthropic award for the third year running. As we seek to develop the arts in Ireland, philanthropic investment is as critical as Government investment in creating an environment that enables discovery and development in the arts sector. We are delighted to work with Business to Arts in highlighting the importance of continued support for artists and the arts sector.’

Cathy Burke, Head of International Communications, daa said:

‘As a proud supporter of Business to Arts for over 30 years, daa is once again delighted to commission the award sculpture, which each year aptly captures and reflects the close relationship between the corporate and arts partner. We are really looking forward to reading this year’s submissions, including those for the daa Arts Award, as they always show imagination and creativity and great relationship management when working with the corporate world.’

Máire Scully, Corporate Brand and Strategic Marketing Manager, ESB said:

‘As a long-time supporter of the arts in Ireland, ESB is delighted to once again sponsor the Best Creativity in the Workplace Award. We know the vital role the arts can play in enriching our working life, fostering staff wellbeing and building a vibrant work environment.
This category always delivers a diverse and innovative approach to using the arts to build healthy resilient businesses, and we look forward to the same high standard this year.’

Oisin O’Shaughnessy, Managing Director, Irish Life Corporate Business said:

‘Irish Life is delighted once again to be in such good company in sponsoring the Business to Arts Awards, which is a fantastic project that we feel genuinely privileged to be associated with. The award for Best Creativity in the Community is particularly close to our hearts and minds. Helping the people of Ireland to build better futures is something we strive to do every day, in every facet of our business. So, we are exceptionally proud to shine a light on the immensely important role that creativity plays in inspiring, uplifting and cultivating better communities throughout Ireland, every single day. ‘

John McGrane, Co-founder and Director General, Kmend said:

‘We are excited to sponsor the “Best Small Sponsorship” Award at the Business to Arts Awards and look forward to recognising the individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the arts community. At Kmend, we believe in the power of community and networking, and we are delighted to support this celebration of arts and culture, which brings people together and enriches our lives.’

Deirdre Veldon, Group Managing Director, The Irish Times Group said:

‘The Irish Times is delighted to support an awards programme which does so much to celebrate the creative endeavours of artists and arts organisations. As a long-time champion of the arts in Ireland, we are steadfast in our belief in the positive impact of strong collaboration between the business and arts communities. We are very pleased to once again sponsor the Best Long Term Partnership category.’

Gerry Butler, Managing Director, TileStyle said:

‘The annual Business to Arts Awards provides much needed recognition and championing of the support of the arts and culture sector in Ireland. TileStyle greatly values the opportunity to celebrate both excellence in commissioning and provide a €10,000 to support an Irish-based artist to develop their work and further their career. Investment in the arts contributes to a richer society and we are honoured to take part as a supporter of this ceremony once again.’

Closing date for applications is Thursday, April 27th 2023.

Go to www.businesstoarts.ie/awards for information on the application process and to complete the online application form.