Shelter Me From the Rain, opera by Brian Irvine and John McIlduf

The Allianz Business to Arts Awards aim to reward outstanding achievements by those who work in the business of music and art, with a particular emphasis on the establishment of creative partnerships and sponsorship programmes which have allowed artists to develop and expand their craft. There are nine categories, covering sponsorship, creativity in the community, creativity within business, corporate and artistic collaborations and commissioning practices, among more.

In keeping with the awards’ focus on the importance of the partnership between business and artists, there is a category dedicated to Long Term Partnerships (over 3 years). Other categories for nomination include the Jim McNaughton Perpetual Award for Best Commissioning Practice, Best Use of Creativity in the Community, and Best Creative Staff Engagement, ensuring that creativity both between and within businesses and communities is recognised. The Jim McNaughton Artist’s Bursary also awards €10,000 to an individual artist in order to further the development of their craft through partnerships. There are two awards for sponsorship (Best Large Sponsorship covering values of over €25,000 and Best Small Sponsorship of under same) that has had a significant impact on the art project involved.

Past recipients include Brian Irvine and John McIlduf’s Shelter Me From the Rain, an opera commissioned by Carlow Local Authorities, which won the Best Use of Creativity in the Community Award in 2011.

Applicants must be nominated, and will be judged on the creativity used in achieving the goals of both artists and organisations, as well as the development of successfully business to art partnerships. Closing date for nominations is 3 May 2012.

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