Last night, the 32nd annual Business to Arts Awards took place in the National Concert Hall, showcasing a stunning array of partnerships between businesses and arts organisations. These collaborations emphasise the vital role of creativity in promoting inclusion, diversity, and accessibility within public spaces. Over 500 business and arts leaders gathered to celebrate the 2024 winners who have set a new standard for corporate collaborations in the arts. These partnerships are not just giving a voice to marginalised and underrepresented groups but are also sparking innovative solutions for sustainability, mental health, and community wellness. In this three-part series, we’ll dive into the exceptional winning projects, starting with those breaking new ground in making the arts more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Breaking barriers in creativity
The prestigious CBRE Major Arts Partnership Award was presented to Matheson LLP and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (Imma) for their collaboration on The Matheson Creativity Hub in Memory of Tim Scanlon. This innovative project was born from a shared vision to make the arts more accessible and inviting for all.
Located within Imma’s grounds, the Matheson Creativity Hub serves as a dedicated space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can explore their creative potential. Designed by Studio Makkink & Bey, the hub invites visitors to engage with the arts through a variety of programmed events, workshops, and open studio times. Michael Jackson, Managing Partner at Matheson, hopes that the Matheson Creativity Hub will empower individuals of all walks of life to access and participate in the arts.
This partnership marks Imma’s first permanent engagement and learning space, breaking down both physical and social barriers to art. The judges lauded the project for its commitment to inclusivity and its ability to bridge the gap between the museum and the community it serves.
Pioneering inclusive dance for all
The Community Foundation Ireland Creative Access Award 2024 was awarded to University College Cork (UCC) and Dance Cork Firkin Crane for their pioneering work on Inclusive Dance Cork. This partnership stands out for offering the first university-accredited training program in inclusive dance. With University College Cork UCC playing a crucial role, the partnership provided academic support and the necessary mechanisms to award micro-credentials to participants who completed the training. The impact has been profound, with many participants advancing to pursue further education in inclusive dance and others developing their own inclusive performances. This has significantly broadened opportunities for dancers of all abilities. Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland says “We see the arts not just as an outlet for passion to be enjoyed by audiences, but also as a powerful instrument for change often giving a voice to those who are silenced or ignored. Business to Arts is a hugely important platform to elevate those voices. We congratulate all the winners including Dance Cork Firkin Crane and UCC who are truly opening up the power of inclusive dance to all.”
Community connection through theatre
Workday, in collaboration with The Gate Theatre, received the Irish Life Creativity in the Community Award for their project ‘Everyone Belongs Here’. This initiative exemplifies how creative partnerships can foster a sense of belonging and community by addressing the unique needs of local communities.
The project invited residents from Dublin 1 and 7, along with other community groups, to attend the first preview of each show at The Gate Theatre free of charge. This initiative was designed to build stronger ties within the community and offer residents a meaningful way to engage with the arts. The initiative was met with deep appreciation from local residents, who felt a renewed connection to their local theatre. The judges noted that the project embodied a genuine and human approach to belonging, with roots firmly planted in the heart of Dublin but open to all.
A legacy of lunchtime drama
The Irish Times Long-Term Partnership Award was bestowed upon Bewley’s iconic Cafe and Bewley’s Café Theatre for their enduring collaboration, which began in 1999. This partnership has become a cherished part of Dublin’s cultural landscape, offering lunchtime drama performances that have garnered international recognition for their innovation and excellence.
The performances create a unique cultural experience, attracting broad audiences while showcasing the best in Irish writing. It has provided sustainable employment to 100+ theatre artists and springboarded artists to major stages nationally and internationally. The judges commended the collaboration for its shared vision and strong brand strategy, which continues to resonate with both the arts community and the wider public.
The Business to Arts Awards continue to celebrate impactful partnerships between the corporate and cultural sectors in Ireland. This year’s winners exemplify how businesses and arts organisations can work together to address societal issues, promote inclusivity, and bring the arts to diverse communities.
Speaking about the significance of these partnerships, Louise O’Reilly, chief executive of Business to Arts, said: “Business to Arts is proud to spotlight initiatives that excel in engaging with marginalised communities, creating opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. These award-winning initiatives demonstrate a growing trend of impactful, long-term collaborations between businesses and the arts across Ireland, fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change within communities.”
To learn more about how you can meet your business objectives while supporting the arts, contact hello@businesstoarts.ie