Applications are now open for the Arts & Business NI Awards, in partnership with Forestside. For over 30 years, the Arts & Business NI Awards have been celebrating creative partnerships between arts organisations and businesses, shining a light on their creative collaborations and inspiring new partnerships between the sectors.

Arts & Business NI are encouraging entries from business and arts partnerships of all sizes, which took place between 1 June 2022 and 31 July 2023. This year, there are five categories open for entries including, Creative Community Engagement Award, Creative Workplace Award, Creative Communications Award, Leaders on Arts Boards Award and Commitment to Diversity Award. In addition, three special recognition awards will also be announced at the glittering awards ceremony later in January, which includes A&BNI Arts Organisation of the Year, A&BNI Business of the Year, and the Forestside Choice Award.

Mary Nagele, CEO at Arts & Business NI commented; “The launch of the Arts & Business NI Awards is always an exciting time for us, and a welcome opportunity to showcase what is possible when thecultural and private sectors collaborate. The creative projects, not only bring benefits to both partners but also deliver many cultural and economic benefits across Northern Ireland. We are thrilled that Forestside, a business which is a long-standing champion and supporter of the arts, is principal sponsor for the Awards again this year.”

Lee Cutler, Forestside Centre Manager and Awards Sponsor said; “It has been our great pleasure to sponsor the Arts & Business NI Awards over the past three years. Each year, we are inspired by entries from businesses, who understand the value of the arts and the innovation partnership brings. The arts can uplift, inspire innovation, connect communities and help make Northern Ireland a vibrant place in which to live and do business. We look forward to showcasing this year’s deserving nominees at the Awards ceremony in January.”

The Arts & Business NI Awards, in partnership with Forestside, are free to enter and the deadline for applications is 4^th September 2023. Further information and details about how to apply can be found at www.artsandbusinessni.org.uk