03/02/2010
Ulster Bank and Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s were just one of the winning partnerships singled out for commendation at the Northern Ireland Allianz Arts and Business Awards at the end of January.
 |
As well as collecting the Cultural Branding award, Festival Director Graeme Farrow scooped the Arts Individual of the Year Award and was praised for his leadership skills, following his success in securing three years of corporate sponsorship for the annual event during one of the most challenging times for arts funding.
Arts and Business NI is one of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s key clients and is instrumental in building bridges between the worlds of art and commerce. The awards, which took place in the newly refurbished Ulster Museum, showcased examples of excellence and the delivery of tangible business benefits. Winning partnerships came from across the spectrum of Northern Ireland business and arts sectors, with five awards presented to businesses, two individuals and one prestigious arts organisation.
Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, spoke about the importance of private sector support to the long-term sustainability of the arts:
“Private sector investment can provide a vital source of support for artists and arts organisations, particularly as pressure on public sector funding increases. But businesses also have much to gain from this alliance. When the business community invests in our most talented, creative and enterprising people, it makes an investment in one of the major sources of our competitive strength, and therefore in its own future success.”
Community Award
Awarded to a partnership that has encouraged specific community engagement with the arts or has made a significant contribution to generation or sustainable growth.
Highly Commended
West Belfast Taxi Association and Kabosh
Sainsbury’s and Féile an Phobail
Winner
The Outlet and Ulster Orchestra
Cultural Branding
Awarded to a partnership that reinforces the branding and marketing activity of a business through the use of culture.
Highly Commended
Davy Northern Ireland – Davy Portrait Awards
Winner
Ulster Bank and Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s
Professional Development Award
Awarded to an individual who has added outstanding benefit to an arts organisation in a governance role through a formal voluntary placement such as the Board Bank programme, Young Professionals or volunteering.
Highly Commended
Aidan Johnston from Carson McDowell with Bruiser Theatre Company
Winner
Emma Cooper from Carson McDowell with Educational Shakespeare Company
Sustained Partnership Award
Awarded to an established, on-going partnership that continues to set standards in creative arts-business collaborations.
Winner
Coca-Cola HBC NI Ltd and Cinemagic
Young People Award
In recognition of a partnership that has harnessed the power of the arts to engage young people. The winning business will demonstrate a dynamic connection with young people through the arts.
Highly Commended
CRAFT Training and The Alley Arts Centre
Northern Bank and Cahoots NI
Winner
The Quays and Sticky Fingers
Employee Engagement Award
Awarded to a partnership that involves employees in the arts and incorporates creativity and innovation into the workplace.
Winner
Edwards & Company and MT4Uth
Arts Individual of the Year
Awarded to an individual working within an arts organisation and has demonstrated business acumen and excellence in partnership development.
Highly Commended
Joan Burney Keatings – Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People
Winner
Graeme Farrow – Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s
Arts Award
Awarded to the arts organisation, which has consistently looked to develop and pioneer new ideas, whilst demonstrating a progressive and creative approach to business partnership.
Winner
Belfast Waterfront
