On 16 April the Arts Council of Northern Ireland held a forum for arts organizations that asked, ‘Is there money in business for the arts?’ The event provided delegates with space to discuss ways of finding new sources of income for the arts and how to look beyond grant support to sponsorship opportunities with the business sector.
Chair of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Rosemary Kelly, welcomed delegates to the forum and said, 'Arts organizations have a lot to gain from building partnerships with business, but this is a two-way street. In fact businesses can only add value to their brands and reputation by investing in the arts and sharing in the goodwill and wellbeing that participation in the arts generates in our society. Given the increasing pressures on public funding, the forum provides a timely opportunity to discuss how the arts and business can benefit each other.'
Speaking of his sponsorship experiences, Dr Alan Gillespie, Chairman of the Ulster Bank, reminded the audience to put themselves in the place of their sponsors and consider the ‘What’s In It For My Company?’ factor.
Also speaking at the Forum was the Director of the Culture Olympiad 2012, Keith Kahn, who highlighted opportunities for arts organizations to get on board the preparations for the 2012 Olympics and supporting events.
The event marked the second discussion forum hosted by the Arts Council for Chairs and Chief Executives of arts organizations in Northern Ireland. The forum is a vehicle providing arts organizations with opportunities for developing leadership and enabling discussion and is part of the Council’s 5-year Strategy to strengthen the arts.
The Forum also provided delegates with useful overviews from the organization Arts & Business, on how to source and approach potential sponsors, how to seal a deal and how to deliver on mutual benefits for the sponsor and the recipient.