The value of partnership with arts
“How important is it for you to be a creative and innovative business?” This was the question asked of over 60 leading business representatives last week, as part of a Value of Partnership with the Arts event hosted by Arts & Business NI and Business to Arts (ROI), in partnership with Bank of Ireland.
Shining a light on thriving corporate-cultural partnerships from across Ireland, North and South, the event highlighted the increasing number of private sector businesses who are working together with arts organisations, and the wider benefits that collaboration brings to both partners.
Maeve McKervey, Head of Business at Arts & Business NI, said “I’ve seen first-hand through our members, the fresh energy, creativity, and innovation that creative partnership can bring. Not only does it help businesses gain a competitive edge, build their brand, reach new audiences, and engage with staff – it also brings world-class projects to life, connects communities, and creates economic value through a vibrant arts sector, that benefits us all.”
Arts & Business Northern Ireland and Business to Arts who are based in the Republic of Ireland, both have growing member networks of private sector businesses, who are leading the way through creative partnerships with arts organisations. By working together, businesses and arts organisations are achieving strategic success and also investing in the wider economic and social wellbeing of our place and community.
Paula Murphy, Group Director of Brand & Sponsorship at Bank of Ireland, sponsor of the event commented: “The arts can play a central role in connecting and enhancing the wellbeing of our communities. Through the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund in partnership with Business to Arts, we have committed a total of £880,000 for creative projects across a wide range of art forms, funding artists to create new work and collaborate within their communities, to bring to life ideas that inspire us all.”
Speaking about the value of creativity, Arts & Business NI Member, John Harkin CEO of Alchemy Technology Services said: “At Alchemy, we actively work in partnership with organisations and charities that seek to make a difference in the lives of future generations. Community plays a key part in our founding mission, and we are proud that we have fostered relationships with local arts theatres and charities such as Le Foyer des Artistes, The Playhouse, Millennium Forum, and The City of Derry International Choir Festival. These partnerships have brought positive impacts not only for our business, our employees, and their families, but also the wider community.”
The feedback received from business leaders at this event will help inform the development of NI’s first cross departmental Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy. This is being led by a sectoral Taskforce, to which Arts & Business NI is contributing, to give voice to business leaders, highlighting the value of cultural partnerships.
Arts & Business NI are keen to hear from any businesses interested in exploring how creative partnerships with the arts and cultural sector can help them deliver on their business objectives. To find out more about how creativity and innovation can help your business contact Maeve McKervey, Head of Business at A&BNI at M.McKervey@artsandbusinessni.org.uk