Temple Bar Gallery + Studios and Henry J Lyons shortlisted for Best Small Sponsorship in the 2022 Business to Arts Awards

Dublin Art Book Fair 2021: Manual, the eleventh edition of Ireland’s only art book fair, transformed the gallery in the heart of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter into a centre for art and artist books, from 25 November - 12 December. Taking place in the gallery and online, DABF21 championed artists and independent publishers, with limited edition and handmade artist books, and books on art, design, visual culture, philosophy, architecture, select fiction and poetry. Alongside the exceptional range of books, a free programme of talks, tours, workshops and book launches invited people to engage with artists, activists, architects, writers and thinkers. Guest curated by cultural historian Dr Lisa Godson, the theme, Manual, considered forms of publication, printed matter and books made to provide guidance, instruction and understanding.

This year's Business to Arts Awards shortlist represents the corporate-cultural partnerships undertaken, enhanced, and delivered during the depths of the pandemic, giving insight into the creativity, resilience, and adaptability of the arts sector when engaging with the corporate world.

The Business to Arts Awards recognise businesses, philanthropists, artists, and arts organisations that develop compelling creative partnerships. Shortlisted partnerships focus on arts sponsorship, philanthropy, commissioning of artists, and CSR initiatives, such as employee and community engagement. The Awards will take place on Tuesday 20 September 2022 at the National Concert Hall.

Louise O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Business to Arts, said:

“The shortlist for the 30th anniversary of the Business to Arts Awards showcases the incredible resilience and ingenuity of creative partnerships between the corporate and cultural sectors. The nominees have gone above and beyond to bring art to their communities when they needed it most, often tackling challenging subject matter or providing a creative sanctuary during the pandemic. We are honoured to recognise these exceptional partnerships and look forward to finally celebrating them in person on September 20th.”

Clare Duignan, Judging Chair, said:

“It was a real privilege to chair the Business to Arts Awards judging panel in this the 30th Anniversary year of the Awards. These entries were all for projects realised and delivered during the Covid 19 pandemic. I was very struck by how imaginative and adaptable so many arts organisations were in how they managed to deliver their work despite the restrictions of lockdown. I was also encouraged by the way in which their sponsorship partners were willing to stick with projects, allowing them to, for example, move online, or perform to very small audiences, or in some cases to be completely re-imagined. The strong desire from locked-down audiences for access to drama music, poetry, film, literature, opera- so many art forms-and their appreciation of the work, was inspiring.”

Explore the 2022 Business to Arts Awards shortlist here.