There are just under three weeks left to apply for the prestigious Business to Arts Awards whose 2025 edition will take place on Monday, September 8.
In 2021, two Galway winners were awarded, with Flogas and Galway International Arts Festival being awarded the Irish Life Creativity in the Community Award for John Gerrard’s ‘Mirror Pavilion’, and Aerogen and Druid awarded the Small Arts Partnership Award for the DruidGregory programme.
Now in their 33rd year, the annual awards recognise ambitious, innovative, creative partnerships that demonstrate true collaboration and cultural impact.
From businesses to philanthropic organisations and individuals, these awards highlight private sector entities that have fostered exceptional partnerships with artists and arts organisations.
This year, ESB is supporting a new category in the awards, the ESB Creative Sustainability Award, which recognises creative partnerships that address issues around the environment, climate crisis, and circular economy. Notable projects may use sustainable materials and production methods, creatively address climate issues, or inspire positive change within the communities they engage with. This award honours the power of arts and culture in shaping a greener future.
Sarah Sharkey, Corporate Reputation Manager for ESB, speaking on this new award said that as aa long-term patron of the arts in Ireland, ESB recognises the important role that artists play not only in recording and interpreting social and economic developments,?but also in engaging communities by fostering creativity and innovation. Through this new Creative Sustainability Award, ESB hopes to empower artists to drive positive change with projects that contribute to the arts and a more sustainable future.’
New sponsorships include the Community Foundation Ireland Arts Philanthropy Award, the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Award, The Irish Times €5,000 Arts Award, and Catapult, the Awards production partner supporting the annual Awards sculpture commission.
The National Concert Hall will host the Awards again, giving guests a chance to enjoy this iconic building before it closes for renovations.
The Awards has a total of 12 categories in 2025 celebrating arts sponsorship, commissioning, philanthropy, staff engagement programmes, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, access programmes, and creative community initiatives, ranging from small-scale initiatives to large-scale and long-term engagements with national reach.
Applications are welcomed from projects of all sizes and approaches within the criteria, with the judges looking to award relationships that show true collaboration between the partners, alongside a considered investment of funds, time, or expertise; innovative concepts or relationship models; fresh ideas, and genuine impact on the community, audiences, and wider society.
The annual Bursary programme at the Awards features two monetary prizes including the longest-running bursary, the Jim McNaughton/TileStyle €10,000 Artist’s Bursary, now in its 17th year; a new The Irish Times €5,000 Arts Award, awarded to an arts organisation that has displayed excellence in their delivery of project.
Speaking about this year’s call for nominations Louise O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Business to Arts said:
“I’m incredibly proud to lead an organisation that champions the transformative power of creative partnerships. With our 33rd year underway, the Business to Arts Awards continue to spotlight collaborations that not only enrich Ireland’s cultural landscape but also drive real change – from sustainability to community impact. I’m excited to see how our nominees will shape a brighter, more innovative future.”
Deirdre Veldon, Group Managing Director, The Irish Times, said The Irish Times is delighted to support Business to Arts Awards, a wonderful celebration of the creativity of artists and arts organisations.
“As a long-time champion of the arts in Ireland, we are committed to supporting collaboration between the business and arts communities.
“We are very pleased to sponsor The Irish Times Long-Term Partnership Award as well as The Irish Times €5,000 Arts Award.’
Corporates interested in demonstrating how they value the arts in Ireland should get in touch with Business to Arts to learn more.
The closing date for Awards applications is midnight April 22. Go to www.businesstoarts.ie/awards for information on the application process and to complete the online application form.
