35th Arts & Business Awards Winners Announced

Deutsche Bank, Hornby PLC, Samsung, and Sennheiser were among the top business names to be awarded for their collaborations with the arts at the 35^th Arts & Business Awards held last night at the British Film Institute. Eight awards were presented to the best arts and business partnerships at a special 35th anniversary awards ceremony held in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, and sponsored by BP, Goodman Derrik, Eversheds, The Daily Telegraph and Classic FM.

Jonathan Tuchner, Deputy Director of Arts & Business, said: “We must always celebrate the remarkable insight and energy of businesses engaging and inspiring the arts across England. These businesses still do not receive the recognition or the plaudits they deserve. The arts are in a much richer place due to the long term commitment and support of business and we believe these collaborations can continue to go from strength to strength. This year’s entries were incredibly strong and the winners are superb examples of how business and the arts can work well together for the good of both.”

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The winners of these awards are innovative partnerships that are not only inspiring cultural success, but unlocking the huge economic potential of the UK’s art and culture sectors too. These winning partnerships are shining examples of the success that arts and business collaborations can bring to projects across the country.”

The winners of 35^th Arts & Business Awards in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover were:

A&B New Sponsorship Award

Hull 2017 Angels Business Consortium (nominated by Force-7 Ltd) & Hull 2017 UK City of Culture Bid

22 companies came together to sponsor the arts in Hull during the city's bid for the UK City of Culture 2017. Known as the Hull 2017 Angels Business Consortium (of which Force-7 Ltd was one), the consortiums total sponsorship of £374,000 helped Hull win the city changing bid in 2013.

The judges felt this was a compelling and inspiring new partnership that demonstrated the success of multiple businesses supporting the arts.  The consortium was a true example of how collaboration can create a strong and sustainable arts programme for the community.

 A&B Sponsorship Awards (below 10k)

Fellows Auctioneers & Herbert Art Gallery & Museum (Culture Coventry)

Fellows Auctioneers sponsored Herbert Art Gallery and Museum’s Keeping up Appearances: Fashion Through Two World Wars exhibition. The partnership resulted in increased exposure for, and awareness of, both organisations. This partnership was noted for its clear, strong objectives which were set by both partners and were clearly met.  The judges said it was a really strong partnership that showed measurable benefits for both organisations.  

A&B Sponsorship Award (10k and above)

Hornby PLC & National Railway Museum

Hornby PLC sponsored a gathering of the last five surviving A4 locomotives and the Mallard at the National Railway Museum. The exhibition attracted a quarter of a million visitors.

The judges felt this was a true partnership, with both organisations working together to deliver an exciting and iconic project.  The scale and impact of the project generated real, tangible changes for both parties extending their brand reputation in the regional, national and international markets. 

A&B Digital Partnership Award

Sennheiser & Victoria and Albert Museum

In 2013, Sennheiser became the Victoria and Albert Museum’s first ever 'sound experience partner' for the acclaimed David Bowie Exhibition.  Together they created a compelling and immersive audio environment which resulted in the David Bowie exhibition becoming the V&A's best-selling and most well received exhibition of all time.

Impressed by the way in which technology had been used to transform the viewer experience, the judges said that this partnership went above and beyond the criteria for the category.  Combining the expertise and resources of both partners, the collaboration illustrated how using digital can enhance an exhibition by making it more inclusive. 

A&B Corporate Responsibility Award

Deutsche Bank & 13 UK Universities

The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Enterprises have, for 22 years, helped graduating students in creative disciplines move into successful freelance careers. Through start-up capital, mentoring and business training the programme has, to date, supported over 1,800 students and provided over £1.2m in start-up capital. 

The judges commended the partnership for the wider benefits the outstanding arts programme has had on the creative economy.  They recognised the partnership as a fantastic example of how business can use the power of the arts to create innovative and sustainable connections with the wider community.  As well as celebrating the programmes impact record the judges also noted the excellent staff engagement. 

BP A&B Long-term Partnership Award

Samsung and the British Museum

In 2009, Samsung and the British Museum agreed a five year partnership to offer innovative digital learning to schools and families within the British Museum. The Samsung Digital Discovery Centre now offers the most extensive on-site digital learning of any UK museum, attracting over 40,000 participants in the first four years. 

The judges felt that this partnership expressed collaborative, long-term, sustainable approaches where there were clearly established business benefits working alongside the arts organisation. Samsung have led and moulded this relationship with the British Museum and it has worked across their new product, through business reputation and into employee benefit. They stated that it was a brilliant, fascinating and pioneering partnership way beyond the usual steps of product concept and brand building.

A&B Board Member of the Year Award

Robin Woodhead & Hofesh Shechter Company

Robin Woodhead is regarded as one of the driving forces behind the success of the Hofesh Shechter Company. As Chair, he has established an exemplar business model that sees only 25% dependence on ACE funds. The panel felt that Robin was an inspirational chair and board member. A nurturing and enabling leader who was leading the organisation through a period of phenomenal growth. Robin carries out his role with a sense of building a legacy and sustainable organisation way beyond his term of office.

A&B Young Board Member of the Year Award

Alice Millest & Clean Break

Alice Millest joined Clean Break’s Board in September 2011. She now chairs the Development Board who focus entirely on diversifying and increasing Clean Break’s income.

The judges acknowledged the broad ranging and powerful contribution Alice has made to the Board. From contributing to an exemplar business plan; recruiting new trustees and senior staff and chairing the new development committee, Alice’s commitment to Clean Break’s work is obvious.

The Goodman Award

Tony Elliott

The Goodman Award aims to honour those outstanding business individuals who have made a long-term commitment to the arts.  Tony Elliot has done just that. 

The judges acknowledged his exceptional contribution to the arts through his involvement with the Roundhouse theatre, Somerset House and other worthwhile organisations.  As an active contributor and participant to the arts Tony is regarded as a truly inspiration figure.  Through years of volunteering Tony has brought his skills and entrepreneurial flair to a breath of arts organisations that have benefited from time, commitment and passion.