02/03/2010
Some 32 local businesses celebrated recently at an Arts & Business Northern Ireland reception for its Professional Development Programme which matches and places business professionals onto cultural boards.
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Commemorative certificates were presented at a reception held at Clifton House, Belfast, sponsored by McKinty and Wright, Solicitors. This event highlighted the professional business relationships that have been established via the programmes with the creative world of the arts over the past two years in Northern Ireland.
The programme is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Presenting certificates to the partnerships Rosemary Kelly OBE., Chairman, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “The Arts and Business Professional Development Programme provides vital support to creative businesses during a period when economic pressures are at an all time high. Through the business mentoring scheme, arts organisations can ensure they have robust business models in place – a fundamental element in any organisation’s path to success.”
Business professionals have helped thousands of non-profit arts organisations by sharing their business expertise and knowledge on a wide range of projects through the Arts & Business Board Bank and Young Professional programmes. A service to business and the arts which matches senior managers from business with not for profit arts organisations who are seeking directors with a commercial background and business skills.
Mary Trainor, Director, Arts & Business, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating these professional development partnerships today. These programmes are a valuable tool for business to develop and motivate their staff through their involvement in these innovative and creative projects. Motivating staff, helping with staff retention and maximising outputs are a few of the significant benefits for businesses.”
