merrion street

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, will this evening (Tuesday) attend the Allianz Business to Arts Awards 2014 in the National Concert Hall, Dublin. The winners of the 2014 Awards will be presented by Honorary Patron of Business to Arts, President Michael D. Higgins.

Speaking in advance of the event, Minister Humphreys said: ‘This awards ceremony showcases the very best of what can be achieved when the business and arts communities work together. Business to Arts has been doing fantastic work since it was founded more than 25 years ago in fostering creative partnerships between the arts world and the business sector’.

“The arts are part of our national psyche, and indeed the arts have a hugely positive impact on how Ireland is perceived abroad. Developing mutually beneficial relationships with business interests allow artists and arts organisations to flourish, diversify their income streams and grow their audiences.

“These awards are an important event in the arts calendar, and I would like to commend Business to Arts for their dedication to supporting an environment of philanthropy in the arts sector.

“Tonight’s event tells the story of successful partnerships. The winners should be proud of their achievement, and it should be acknowledged that their success will act as a template for future collaborations. Bringing together the arts and business sectors can yield fantastic results, for the individual and commercial interests involved, and for the wider community.

“The awards are now in their 23rd year, and it is clear from this year’s list of finalists that collaboration is stronger than ever. As part of my role as Minister for Arts, I plan to collaborate with others across a range of sectors. In particular, I look forward to working with my colleague, Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan, on progressing the work carried out to date on the Arts in Education Charter, which was signed last year.”