The annual awards recognise ambitious, innovative, creative partnerships that demonstrate true collaboration and cultural impact.

From businesses to philanthropic organisations and individuals, these awards highlight private sector entities that have fostered exceptional partnerships with artists and arts organisations.

This year, ESB is supporting a new category in the awards, the ESB Creative Sustainability Award, which recognises creative partnerships that address issues around the environment, climate crisis, and circular economy. Notable projects may use sustainable materials and production methods, creatively address climate issues, or inspire positive change within the communities they engage with. This award honours the power of arts and culture in shaping a greener future.

Sarah Sharkey, Corporate Reputation Manager for ESB, speaking on this new award said:

‘As a long-term patron of the arts in Ireland, ESB recognises the important role that artists play not only in recording and interpreting social and economic developments, but also in engaging communities by fostering creativity and innovation. Through this new Creative Sustainability Award, ESB hopes to empower artists to drive positive change with projects that contribute to the arts and a more sustainable future.’

New sponsorships include the Community Foundation Ireland Arts Philanthropy Award, the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Award, The Irish Times €5,000 Arts Award, and Catapult, the Awards production partner supporting the annual Awards sculpture commission.

The National Concert Hall will host the Awards again, giving guests a chance to enjoy this iconic building before it closes for renovations.

The Awards has a total of 12 categories in 2025 celebrating arts sponsorship, commissioning, philanthropy, staff engagement programmes, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, access programmes, and creative community initiatives, ranging from small-scale initiatives to large-scale and long-term engagements with national reach.

Applications are welcomed from projects of all sizes and approaches within the criteria, with the judges looking to award relationships that show true collaboration between the partners, alongside a considered investment of funds, time, or expertise; innovative concepts or relationship models; fresh ideas, and genuine impact on the community, audiences, and wider society.

The annual Bursary programme at the Awards features two monetary prizes including the longest-running bursary, the Jim McNaughton/TileStyle €10,000 Artist’s Bursary, now in its 17th year; a new The Irish Times €5,000 Arts Award, awarded to an arts organisation that has displayed excellence in their delivery of project.

Speaking about this year’s call for nominations Louise O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Business to Arts said:

“I’m incredibly proud to lead an organisation that champions the transformative power of creative partnerships. With our 33rd year underway, the Business to Arts Awards continue to spotlight collaborations that not only enrich Ireland’s cultural landscape but also drive real change – from sustainability to community impact. I’m excited to see how our nominees will shape a brighter, more innovative future.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Ireland, said:

‘Philanthropy has the power to drive real and lasting change.

As a philanthropic hub, we see everyday the impact of strategic giving to create Equality for All in thriving communities.

We are very delighted to partner with Business to Arts on the Arts Philanthropy Award category to celebrate individuals and organisations that harness the transformative power of philanthropy to make a meaningful difference by breaking down barriers in accessing the arts and to enrich lives and communities.

Meadhbh McClean, Chief Operating Officer, CBRE said:

‘This year, CBRE is proud to sponsor the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Award. The role of artists and arts organisations in connecting communities is crucial to us. We recognise the arts’ vital role in enriching professional lives, enhancing staff wellbeing, and fostering a vibrant work environment. This category consistently showcases innovative approaches to integrating the arts into building resilient businesses, and we are excited to see the creativity and excellence it brings.’

Ronan Healy, Chief Executive, Catapult said:

“Catapult is proud to have grown alongside the Business to Arts Awards as its production partner of 25 years. This year, we are thrilled to support the commissioning of an artist to create the annual Awards sculpture, a unique piece of work that reflects the care and craft that goes into each of the projects and partnerships recognised at the Awards.”

Oisin O’Shaughnessy, Managing Director, Irish Life, said:

‘Irish Life is very proud once again to sponsor the Business to Arts Awards this year. This opportunity to nurture the arts so close to home is always a real privilege for us. Helping people across Ireland to build better futures is our core brand purpose, so the ethos of the Irish Life Best Creativity in the Community award is especially close to our hearts. Creativity is crucial in business but also plays a vital role in elevating towns and cities across Ireland by inspiring us, championing vision and innovation and cultivating strong communities. It is an honour to be associated with this incredibly important category.’

Gerry Butler, Managing Director, TileStyle said:

‘TileStyle is proud to champion the arts and culture sector through the Business to Arts Awards. We celebrate excellence in artistic commissioning through the Jim McNaughton/TileStyle Best Commissioning Practice Award and are delighted to once again support the development of an Irish-based artist with the Jim McNaughton/TileStyle €10,000 Artist’s Bursary. By investing in the arts, we help foster creativity and enrich our communities, and we are honored to continue our partnership with the Business to Arts Awards’

Deirdre Veldon, Group Managing Director, The Irish Times, said:

‘The Irish Times is delighted to support Business to Arts Awards, a wonderful celebration of the creativity of artists and arts organisations. As a long-time champion of the arts in Ireland, we are committed to supporting collaboration between the business and arts communities. We are very pleased to sponsor The Irish Times Long-Term Partnership Award as well as The Irish Times €5,000 Arts Award.’

Corporates interested in demonstrating how they value the arts in Ireland should get in touch with Business to Arts to learn more.

The closing date for Awards applications is midnight 22nd April.

More information is available Here.