The 2025 Business to Arts Awards showcased how the meeting of corporate vision and artistic talent can open doors for those too often left on the margins.
This year’s winners in the field of access, inclusion, and community engagement reflect a shared commitment to removing barriers—whether linguistic, cultural, economic, or physical—and to inviting communities into the creative process as equal partners.
Their work demonstrates that meaningful access to the arts is not just about ticket availability, but about creating spaces and experiences where people of all backgrounds can see themselves represented and valued.
One of the most ambitious examples of this approach is the Irish Life creativity in the community award recipient, the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and Fishamble: The New Play Company for Taigh Ty Teach.
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This trilingual production—performed in Irish, Scots Gaelic, and Welsh—brought together communities across Ireland, Wales and Scotland, exploring shared histories and common challenges faced by native-language communities.
The partnership’s cross-border reach and commitment to culturally rooted storytelling speak to an expanded view of access: one that honours language diversity and brings rural, often under-represented communities into national conversation.
The judges praised the project as “deeply socially engaged work within and across a broad range of communities,” highlighting its ability to foster cross-cultural dialogue while celebrating linguistic diversity. For audiences, Taigh Ty Teach was more than a performance; it was an affirmation of identity and a rare opportunity to experience the richness of three interwoven languages in one creative space.
The creative access award went to Saint John of God, in collaboration with artists Dr Sinead McCann and AlanJames Burns, for Our Place. This innovative project created inclusive opportunities for participants with intellectual disabilities to co-create work, ensuring that their voices and perspectives were central to the artistic process.
By integrating participants into every stage—from concept development to public presentation—Our Place challenged conventional ideas about who gets to be an artist and whose stories are worth telling. The result was an experience that not only showcased individual creativity but also shifted public perceptions about ability, participation, and belonging in the arts.
Judges noted how empowering the project was for participants, recognising it as “a way forward for inclusive arts programming” that others could emulate.
In the growing realm of arts philanthropy, the Community Foundation Ireland arts philanthropy award recognised the exceptional commitment of the Tomar Trust. Known for its strategic approach to giving, Tomar has made substantial investments in arts initiatives that align with local priorities and needs, ensuring that resources reach the communities where they can make the greatest impact.
The judges noted that Tomar’s leadership in arts philanthropy continues to set a benchmark, earning it multiple nominations this year. For many in the sector, the Trust’s work demonstrates how thoughtful, sustained investment can strengthen the arts ecosystem far beyond the lifespan of any single project.
Another highlight came from The Irish Times €5,000 arts award winner, where Fishamble, The New Play Company, was once again honoured for Who I Am and How I Am. Developed with ethnically diverse and marginalised young people in Dublin’s inner city, the programme provided a platform for participants to explore identity, belonging, and personal narrative through theatre. The process was as important, offering a safe space for participants to collaborate, build confidence, and share their lived experiences, working with diverse artists.
The judges were particularly moved by the sensitivity and care with which the project was designed, noting its potential for long-term positive impact on participants’ self-expression and community engagement. For Fishamble, the award not only recognises the success of the programme but also affirms the importance of continuing to work with young voices that are too often excluded from social and cultural conversations.
Completing the list of this year’s access and inclusion champions is the Jim McNaughton/TileStyle €10,000 artist’s bursary, awarded to visual artist Manar Al Shouha.
A Syrian-born painter now working in Dublin, her practice delves into themes of identity and cultural integration, informed by her personal experience of migration. The bursary will support the development of her first solo exhibition in Ireland, experimentation with new media such as printmaking, and undertaking research trips to extend her practice.
The judges were impressed with the clarity of her artistic vision and with her exploration of themes of identity and cultural integration.
Collectively, these projects show how business and arts partnerships can open doors, foster representation, and create truly inclusive cultural spaces. They go beyond dismantling barriers to placing communities at the heart of creative practice. As Ireland grows more diverse, these initiatives remind us that inclusion is an ongoing commitment and when more voices are heard, the story of who we are becomes richer and more inspiring.
The 33rd annual Business to Arts Awards again highlights the power of partnerships between the corporate and arts sectors in Ireland. This year’s winners exemplify how businesses and arts organisations can collaborate to address societal challenges, promote inclusivity, and enrich communities. Through these transformative partnerships, creativity and innovation are harnessed to elevate the arts and drive meaningful social change. As these collaborations continue to evolve, they pave the way for future projects that will inspire and impact generations to come.
To learn more about developing a creative partnership or becoming a member of Business to Arts, visit the Business to Arts website or contact info@businesstoarts.ie.
