The 32nd annual Business to Arts Awards lit up the National Concert Hall on Monday night. Celebrating a series of inspiring partnerships between businesses and arts organisations, these awards underscored the vital role of corporate philanthropy in promoting cultural vibrancy in Ireland. This year’s winners have set a precedent for how corporate collaborations can extend their reach to the arts, ensuring representation of socially excluded groups, inspiring fresh thinking around eco-challenges, and originating approaches for greater mental health and wellness in our communities.
Home is where the art is
The Best Philanthropic Support to the Arts Award was presented to Press Up Group & The Dean Arts Studios. This dynamic partnership provided free studio space to over 40 artists and collectives in Dublin. By fostering a supportive community for both emerging and established practitioners across various disciplines, the initiative has made a profound impact on Dublin’s cultural landscape.
The programme’s influence extended beyond just providing space; it significantly improved mental well-being among participants, with 85 per cent of artists reporting benefits to their colleagues as well. The initiative attracted 8,000 attendees, highlighting the high level of engagement and the deep cross-disciplinary interactions that enriched the city’s artistic scene. This model of support is both timely and essential, addressing the critical needs for space, community, and mental wellness in the arts. The long-term commitment to nurturing creativity has been instrumental in shaping the future of the arts in the city, promoting a sense of security and belonging among the resident artist.
A portfolio of purpose
Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland received the Judges’ Special Recognition Award for their portfolio of partnerships with the Irish Museum of Modern Art (Imma), Wexford Festival Opera and Kid’s Own Publishing. Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland is dedicated to enriching Ireland’s cultural landscape and positively impacting society by investing in initiatives that preserve and celebrate arts and culture. These partnerships exemplify a strong commitment to community connection and wellness through arts partnerships,
encouraging diverse communities to engage with Imma’s exhibitions; supporting community engagement with world-class opera at Wexford Festival Opera; and nurturing young literary talent through Kid’s Own Publishing. Wexford Festival Opera partnership celebrated the rich history of volunteerism through a digital campaign honouring the festival’s roots. This partnership reinforced the value of volunteering and its positive impact on mental well-being. By focusing on generational and community volunteerism, the project fosters a deep sense of belonging and inclusion, particularly for older or retired individuals who remain vital to the festival’s success.
Wellness in the ring
Lauren Larkin was awarded the Jim McNaughton/TileStyle €10,000 Artist’s Bursary to develop her documentary drama film, Punch Drunk. Inspired by her father, a former elite Irish amateur boxer recently diagnosed with dementia, the film delves into the profound impacts of brain injuries in contact sports, focusing on safety in boxing and the enduring love for the sport. Beyond the ring, Larkin’s exploration touches on deeper themes of identity, belonging, and mortality, aiming to shed light on the often-overlooked connection between sports injuries and long-term health issues. This project underscores the crucial link between wellness, health and sports, offering a compelling narrative that resonates on both personal and societal levels.
The power of collective singing
The daa €5,000 Arts Award was presented to Sing Ireland for Sing for Life, a partnership between Sing Ireland and The Ireland Funds. This partnership encourages young people with additional needs to find their voice and communicate through the joy of singing. By offering a platform for self-expression, the partnership has played a crucial role in building confidence, fostering community connections, and promoting wellness among participants.
The weekly sessions, guided by the participants’ musical choices, created a strong sense of belonging and highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the arts. Participants also experienced positive impacts on their mental health, forming new friendships and engaging with peers in a supportive environment. The judges noted “the palpable joy in this project; long may it continue!”
The 32nd annual Business to Arts Awards highlights the power of partnerships between the corporate and arts sectors in Ireland. This year’s winners exemplify how businesses and arts organisations can collaborate to address societal challenges, promote inclusivity, and enrich communities. Through these transformative partnerships, creativity and innovation are harnessed to elevate the arts and drive meaningful social change. As these collaborations continue to evolve, they pave the way for future projects that will inspire and impact generations to come.
To learn more about how you can meet your business objectives while supporting the arts, contact hello@businesstoarts.ie