Council’s Forum asks ‘Is there money in business for the arts? |
17/04/2008
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland today (16th April) held a forum for arts organizations that asked, ‘Is there money in business for the arts?’ The event provided delegates with space to discuss ways of finding new sources of income for the arts and how to look beyond grant support to sponsorship opportunities with the business sector. The forum was held in the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn and featured key figures in the arts and business worlds.
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Chair of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Rosemary Kelly, welcomed delegates to the forum and said, “Arts organizations have a lot to gain from building partnerships with business, but this is a two-way street. In fact businesses can only add value to their brands and reputation by investing in the arts and sharing in the goodwill and wellbeing that participation in the arts generates in our society. Given the increasing pressures on public funding, the forum provides a timely opportunity to discuss how the arts and business can benefit each other.”
Dr Alan Gillespie, Chairman of the Ulster Bank, a supporter of the arts, spoke of recent sponsorship programmes and said, “In last year’s Rediscover Northern Ireland programme and Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC, Northern Ireland companies saw the importance of supporting Northern Ireland at a most opportune time. It was an unusual type of sponsorship but one that was very well rewarded, promoting the richness and quality of Northern Ireland’s arts and culture in the heart of the United States.”
Speaking of his sponsorship experiences, Dr Gillespie also reminded the audience to put themselves in the place of their sponsors and consider the ‘What’s In It For My Company?’ factor. He commented, “The number one benefit of being a sponsor is the opportunity to take care of, entertain and get closer to your clients. That is why sponsoring the arts is a suitable mechanism to enhance customer relationships and build brand awareness. Ulster Bank has recently committed over £1 million towards the Belfast Festival for the next three years.”
Also speaking at the Forum was the Director of the Culture Olympiad 2012, Keith Kahn, who highlighted opportunities for arts organizations to get on board the preparations for the 2012 Olympics and supporting events. Mr Kahn said, “I have a real passion about culture and creativity – and its value to a wide audience. The Cultural Olympiad will provide a unique chance for people from every community to participate on a world stage.”
The event marked the second discussion forum hosted by the Arts Council for Chairs and Chief Executives of arts organizations in Northern Ireland. The forum is a vehicle providing arts organizations with opportunities for developing leadership and enabling discussion and is part of the Council’s 5-year Strategy to strengthen the arts.
The Forum also provided delegates with useful overviews from the organization Arts & Business, on how to source and approach potential sponsors, how to seal a deal and how to deliver on mutual benefits for the sponsor and the recipient.
