CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Creative partnerships celebrated at 2017 Allianz Arts & Business NI Awards
he Old Stena Terminal , which is part of the Belfast Harbour , played host to over
T250 guests recently for the Allianz Arts & Business NI Awards 2017 .
Dr Wendy Austin , MBE compered the awards ceremony , steering the proceedings with her distinctive flair conducting the audience on a journey of artistic excellence . There were nine awards presented in total to winning arts business partnerships with award pieces designed and created by local artist , Wendy Ward .
The Awards showcased examples of innovative creative collaborations between the business community and the arts sector , delivering a diverse range of tangible business benefits .
The winning partnerships represented a varied section of the business community and arts sectors .
Guests were entertained by an incredible medley of local creative talent , enjoying commanding performances by Ulster Orchestra , compelling extract of ‘ The Boat Factory ’ written by Dan Gordon and performed at the ceremony by Dan Gordon and Michael Condron .
There was a special musical recital of ‘ Happy Birthday ’ by Sestina to celebrate A & B NI ’ s 30th year and an uplifting solo courtesy of soprano Sinéad O ’ Kelly accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra .
Local DJ Kwa Daniels provided more beats to entertain audience and enhancing the celebrating atmosphere .
Presenting the Allianz Arts & Business NI Awards Sean McGrath , CEO , Allianz , highlighted the importance of the arts sector to society in general and applauded the
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Winner of Allianz Arts & Business NI Business of the Year Award : Sean McGrath , CEO , Allianz ; Lynda Shannon , Ursula Henderson , Translink ; Dr Joanne Stuart OBE , Chair , Arts & Business NI and Mary Nagele , Chief Executive , Arts & Business NI
commitment of local businesses to the sector . “ The Alliaanz Arts & Business NI Awards celebrate excellent examples of best practice in terms of arts and business collaboration . These inspiring projects are making a real difference to everyone involved as well as enriching society as a whole .”
Commenting on the event , Department of Communities Minister Paul Givan said : “ This year ’ s Awards mark the beginning of Arts & Business NI ’ s 30th year , during which time they have forged countless successful partnerships between businesses and the arts sector in Northern Ireland at both corporate and individual level .
“ Now more than ever this role is vital to our arts sector as it faces new challenges and adapts to the ever changing economic climate . Partnerships and collaboration between artists and businesses , and between the private and public sector will be a crucial building block going forward .
“ Working together we are stronger and achieve more and I commend Arts & Business NI for pioneering this approach and for leading the way . I wish to congratulate all the winning partnerships and hope others will be encouraged to get involved as these partnerships can bring great success for all involved .”
Business of the Year was picked up by Translink , for their numerous arts partnerships which linked perfectly with meeting the company ’ s core objectives of raising the profile of public transport which has increased the numbers of the general public using Translink ’ s services .
Recognising the success of all the partnerships , Dr Joanne Stuart OBE , Chair of Arts & Business NI commented : “ I would like to commend the business and arts organisations showcased at our Awards , and those we work with every day , and applaud them for their bravery in taking a risk to create something special together which is better for both and our society as a whole .”