Louise O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Business to Arts; Ronan Healy, CEO/Founder, Catapult; and craftsman Noel Donnellan with ‘Genova‘ this year's commissioned Business to Arts Awards Sculpture, to be presented to Award winners on Monday, 8th September at the National Concert Hall. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.
Shortlisted partnerships spotlight inclusion, community engagement, and sustainability
Today, Business to Arts announces the highly competitive shortlist for our 33rd Business to Arts Awards, taking place at the National Concert Hall on Monday, 8th September.
The annual awards recognise ambitious, innovative, creative partnerships that demonstrate true collaboration and cultural impact. From businesses to philanthropic organisations and individuals, these awards highlight private sector entities that have fostered exceptional partnerships with artists and arts organisations.
This year’s shortlist represents a mix of new corporate entrants and arts sponsorships, including Ace Autobody, Clancourt, Peugeot, Xestra Asset Management, Specavers and Aeolus Engine Services, as well as a strong show of continuing support from long-standing supporters of the arts in the business world.
This year, ESB is supporting a new category in the awards, the ESB Creative Sustainability Award, which recognises creative partnerships that address issues around the environment, climate crisis, and circular economy. Notable projects use sustainable materials and production methods, creatively raise ecological awareness, document environmental changes and inspire positive change within the communities they engage with. This award honours the power of arts and culture in shaping a greener future.
Sarah Sharkey, Corporate Reputation Manager for ESB, speaking on this new award, said: ‘As a long-term patron of the arts in Ireland, ESB recognises the important role that artists play not only in recording and interpreting social and economic developments, but also in engaging communities by fostering creativity and innovation. Through this new Creative Sustainability Award, ESB hopes to empower artists to drive positive change with projects that contribute to the arts and a more sustainable future.’
New sponsorships include the Community Foundation Ireland Arts Philanthropy Award, underlining the shared belief of both Community Foundation and Business to Arts’ in the transformative power of private support for the arts;, the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Award expressing CBRE’s holistic approach to the contemporary workplace; the Irish Times €5,000 Arts Award, and The Irish Times will now proudly support the €5,000 Arts Award.
See the full shortlist here.
Award winners will be presented with a limited edition award sculpture commissioned by Business to Arts and supported by our new Award Sculpture Commissioning Partner, Catapult. ‘Genova’ is created by craftsman Noel Donnellan from Co. Limerick. Inspired by Genesis (beginning) and Nova (new), the sculpture’s concept was developed as a seed growing into something greater. The stunning ceramic sculpture’s 23kt gold leaf interior represents the spark of creative potential, nurtured by purposeful partnerships.
“ Catapult is proud to have grown alongside the Business to Arts Awards as its production partner of 25 years. This year, we are thrilled to take on an additional role - the commissioning of the annual Awards sculpture. It is a unique piece of work that reflects the care and craft that goes into each of the projects and partnerships recognised at the Awards.”
The 2025 Judging Panel featured representatives from CBRE, ESB, Community Foundation Ireland, Irish Life, The Irish Times, and TileStyle, chaired by an independent arts expert and stewarded by Business to Arts.
The Awards have a total of 10 categories celebrating arts sponsorship, commissioning, philanthropy, staff engagement programmes, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, access programmes, and creative community initiatives, ranging from small-scale initiatives to large-scale and long-term engagements with national reach.
A total of €25,000 will be presented to successful artists and arts organisations through bursaries and awards on the night.
“ This year’s shortlist attests to businesses engaging at a deep and considered level, ensuring there is a positive impact on both partners and wider society, with exciting newer initiatives emerging alongside more established partnerships. We are so grateful for the time, attention and consideration of the judges in what is a mammoth task”
