THE IRISH TIMESmanaging editor Gerry Smyth and the newspaper are to receive a special recognition award for commitment to supporting the arts at this year's Allianz Business to Arts Awards.
The awards, which are in their 18th year, recognise innovative collaboration between the business and arts communities. The award categories include best sponsorship of an event, best arts champion and best use of creativity.
The special recognition award is being given to The Irish Times for its ongoing support of the arts in Ireland through its editorial content, sponsorship in kind, and the annual Irish Times Theatre Awards programme.
The panel said they were singling out Smyth for his "enormous personal commitment" to the growth and development of the arts. The Irish Timesand Gerry Smyth were nominated for the award by the theatre community in Ireland.
Other winners include Mundipharma Ireland Strawberry Hill Creative, which won the best use of creativity award for the educational play Cancer Tales. The best sponsorship of an event award will go to Ulster Bank Group Gate Theatre for the Waiting for Godotnational tour.
Best arts champion is Dr Patricia Noone of the George Moore Society for her work to encourage artistic expression among those using the mental health services.
The corporate social (cultural) responsibility award will go to Bord na Móna for “Sculpture in the Parklands”, a 50-acre sculpture park at Lough Boora bog, Co Offaly, which is open every day to the public, and invites artists to create site-specific work.
The Dublin Airport Authority €5,000 arts award is being given to Ballymun Music Programme Music Room for providing a new performance space with an audience capacity of 40-60.
The awards will be presented by President Mary McAleese at a ceremony at Castletown House, Co Kildare on May 20th.
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