Today, Business to Arts announces the highly competitive shortlist for the 34th annual Awards, recognising outstanding partnerships between businesses, philanthropic organisations, artists and arts organisations across Ireland.
This year's shortlist reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, creative engagement, accessibility and inclusion, demonstrating how collaboration can expand access to the arts, strengthen local communities, support artistic ambition and create opportunities for people of all ages to participate in cultural life.
Award winners will be announced at the National Concert Hall on Monday, 7th September 2026.
Read the full shortlist here.
Pictured on Sandymount Strand with ‘Intertidal’ this year’s Business to Arts Awards sculpture, Ronan Healy, CEO & Founder, Catapult, Louise O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Business to Arts and Wexford-based artist Fiona Byrne. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.
Award winners will be presented with a limited edition award sculpture commissioned by Business to Arts and supported by our returning Award Sculpture Commissioning Partner, Catapult. For over 30 years, Business to Arts has commissioned a unique sculpture for the Awards, and Catapult’s support helps ensure this important practice continues.
This year, we're delighted to unveil ‘Intertidal’, by Wexford-based artist Fiona Byrne. Inspired by the meeting point between land and sea, the glass sculpture on an ebonised wood base represents the liminal space where different worlds meet - reflecting the purposeful partnerships between business and the arts that the Awards celebrate.
The 2026 Awards feature 13 categories in total, spanning arts sponsorship, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, access initiatives and community engagement — from emerging collaborations to long-standing partnerships with national reach. Explore the full shortlist here.
The recipients of the Community Foundation Ireland Arts Philanthropy Award and the Judges’ Special Recognition Award will be announced at the Awards ceremony on 7th September.
Additionally, a total of €25,000 will be presented to successful artists and arts organisations through bursaries and awards on the night.
- Jim McNaughton/TileStyle €10,000 Artist's Bursary
- Accenture €10,000 Digital Innovation in Art Bursary
- The Irish Times €5,000 Arts Award
Speaking about this year's shortlist:
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added:'Philanthropy prompts creativity in the arts, adding richness to our communities. As a philanthropic hub Community Foundation Ireland believes philanthropy allows artists to demonstrate ambition and courage. A flourishing arts sector facilitates stronger self-expression by individuals and communities, it is both thought-provoking and emotive - and at its most powerful contributes to building a future which is fairer and more sustainable for people, place and planet. Our partnership with Business to Arts celebrates that important contribution'
Oisin O’Shaughnessy, Managing Director, Irish Life, said:
‘Irish Life is delighted to continue our sponsorship of this year’s Business to Arts Awards. Investing in the arts within our own community is a privilege, and we are proud to support an event that recognises and celebrates outstanding creative achievement close to home.
Helping people across Ireland to build better futures is our core brand purpose, so the ethos of the Irish Life Best Creativity in the Community award is especially close to our hearts. Creativity is crucial in business but also plays a vital role in elevating towns and cities across Ireland by inspiring us, championing vision and innovation and cultivating strong communities. It is an honour to be associated with this incredibly important category.’
Gerard McNaughton, Creative Director, TileStyle
‘TileStyle is delighted to support the arts through the Business to Arts Awards. We celebrate excellence in artistic commissioning with the Jim McNaughton/TileStyle Best Commissioning Practice Award and are proud to back an artist with the €10,000 Jim McNaughton/TileStyle Artist’s Bursary. By investing in the arts, we help foster creativity and enrich our communities’
Jillian Saunders, Group Sponsorship and PR Manager, ESB
‘The standard of entries this year was inspiring. They displayed creativity, ambition and show the impact that can happen when businesses and the arts come together. At ESB, we believe in supporting the cultural and creative life of our communities. That’s why we are so pleased to partner with Business to Arts in order to champion collaborations that create lasting value for society. We congratulate all those shortlisted and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Business to Arts Awards.’
