The Allianz Business to Arts Awards 2017 were launched yesterday.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Allianz Business to Arts Awards and Allianz’s 17th anniversary of involvement and sponsorship of the awards. Allianz encourages the business community to become involved again this year and to tap into the creative talent across Ireland.
The success of the Awards has developed considerable over recent years and with economic growth set to continue, there is even greater opportunity for further partnership between business and the arts.
This year also sees the 10th year of the €10,000 Jim McNaughton/TileStyle Bursary which is open to emerging artist(s) in any art form. Previous winners include pianist Máire Carroll, ballet dancer, Gearóid Solan & writer, Deirdre Kinahan.
There are 9 categories in total focusing on sponsorship, commissioning, CSR initiatives and community engagement and mentoring, training and staff programs. A new online application system has been devised to accommodate the ever increasing entries received. Previous winners include Bank of Ireland, Sky Ireland, An Post and ESB.
Research today from Business to Arts shows that 87% of businesses sponsoring the arts say it creates unique events and experiences for stakeholders. Forty six per cent say it engages staff with 69% saying it engages their customers and consumers.
More than half, 51%, say it helps change or reinforce their brand image.
Chief Executive of Business to Arts, Andrew Hetherington said, "The Allianz Business to Arts Awards identify and celebrate best practice creative partnerships between business and the arts. It is fantastic to witness the increasing creativity, innovation and hard-work demonstrated by the various nominations from all over Ireland."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
