Arts & Business Case studies - Central

Port of Tilbury London & Thurrock council - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:19:53 GMT

Background
Mary-Ann Connolly, a former Tiller girl and cultural project officer for Thurrock council, was having trouble finding somewhere to stage a big, live event ‘to bring people in Thurrock together.’ When she looked around the London cruise terminal at the Port of Tilbury she knew her search was over. The council approached the Port of Tilbury in 2004, and the latter has been sponsoring the annual 12 days of Christmas spectaculars, and providing a venue, labour and equipment ever since.

Working with hundreds of children and converting a 1939’s almost empty building partly on stilts, into a temporary theather, has been a huge logistical challenge but the hard work has paid off. Winning the JTI A&B Community Award at the 30th Arts & Business Awards is proof of this, “we’re raising aspirations and the cultural bar in Thurrock,’ says Connolly.

Objectives
• Generate additional revenue through increased use of the historic Cruise Terminal as an event venue and highlight the potential for an under-utilised asset in the community
• Key driver in the regeneration of Tilbury and the Thames Gateway
• Increase self-esteem and aspirations amongst local young people through the cultural and industrial heritage of the local area.

Benefits
• As well as sparking the regeneration of the area, the song and dance productions provide a Christmas event for employees of the port, local schools and the wider community in Thurrock
• Last year 1,500 schoolchildren took part, appearing on stage alongside profesional performers giving access to children who can't normally afford to go and see West End shows
• The port gives 300 tickets away to its employees, iboosting morale with ticket prices heavily subsidied.” It’s a very affordable night out, says Connolly.

Lloyds TSBCF: Banking on the future - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:54:42 GMT

The opportunity

In answer to Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance’s (LTSBCF) core objectives of differentiating themselves from their competitors and enhancing their brand recognition through memorable advertising, we developed the LTSBCF student art competition; Art of Nurture. Winning students’ work is used as their central marketing and advertising campaign image each year. In 2010 - its fourth year - the competition attracted well over 500 entries. Students from art colleges across the UK participate in a series of regional heats, which in themselves are an opportunity for LTSBCF to entertain clients and prospects. The final this year was held at an exciting evening ceremony and exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery.

The impact

LTSBCF benefited from a dramatic 40% increase in new client numbers following the first competition and now commands the highest brand awareness in its market. There was a very high take-up of invitations to events and positive feedback from clients. The competitions not only bring about the creation of original artwork and unique content for use in their advertising campaigns, but also demonstrate LTSBCF’s commitment to young people and nurturing and promoting new talent. LTSBCF has benefited from increased press coverage as a direct result of Art of Nurture.

We continue to advise and support LTSBCF on this exciting programme; sourcing judges, liaising with art colleges and making recommendations on developing the competition each year.

"Working with Arts & Business over the last four years we have benefited immeasurably from their creative input and arts intelligence...Arts & Business have worked with us to make links with key arts institutions across the UK and have sourced senior industry experts for our judging panels from the worlds of arts and business.”
Simon Featherstone, Managing Director, Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance

Crafted: luxury, craft and American Express - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:53:20 GMT

The opportunity

Crafted is a bespoke mentoring programme for emerging craft businesses developed for American Express in partnership with the Walpole Group. American Express asked us to address the rapid decline of traditional craft skills - a serious concern for luxury brands both in the UK and across the globe who are reliant on the skills of artisan workers. In Crafted’s first year we have provided a model which supports craft makers in providing them with access to, and support with engaging, a luxury market. We are also providing luxury businesses with access to a new generation of skilled craftspeople.

Through Crafted, 12 craft entrepreneurs receive expert support from luxury brand leaders, including Bill Amberg, Robert Ettinger and Grant Macdonald, to develop their business skills. Companies supporting the project include Decorex, Andaz Hotel, Liberty, Gieves & Hawkes and Traditional Arts. Our advocacy, PR and dedicated Crafted website are raising awareness of the importance of craft skills and presenting craft in an exciting, fresh and contemporary way.

The impact

With our partners and expert mentors from the luxury sector, we are helping to expand craft makers’ ambitions and horizons through promoting new, more entrepreneurial mindsets, allowing traditional craft skills to flourish while being preserved. The programme is improving links between the luxury goods industry and skilled crafts people and modernising perceptions of craft. Crucially the craft businesses’ learning and experience of the project will be shared through social networks and user-generated content.

QinetiQ and Salisbury International Arts Festival: transforming QinetiQ's apprentices - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:50:54 GMT

Background
With support from Arts & Business, QinetiQ and Salisbury International Arts Festival (SIAF) developed a project whereby the QinetiQ apprentices worked with an artist to develop a sculpture for the Salisbury International Arts Festival (SIAF).Twelve apprentices from QinetiQ worked for five months with an artist to transform a Gazelle helicopter into a sculpture for the Festival. The six metre high ‘Dragonfly’ stands proudly overlooking the A303 and will be a permanent legacy of the Festival and QinetiQ’s involvement.

The apprentices’ professional and personal development has been extraordinary and QinetiQ’s position as a key local employer also helped SIAF leverage further financial and in-kind support from other local businesses.

Objectives
• Having been involved in the 2006 Festival, QinetiQ wanted a more interactive role with the Festival in order to maximise the benefit of the relationship, not just in financial terms
• QinetiQ wanted to foster an attitude of creativity in the workplace, by having the apprentices working with familiar materials in an unfamiliar way; in order to encourage lateral thinking and improve their team working and communication skills
• For SIAF, the key objectives were to develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships sponsors and leverage support from other potential investors.

Benefits
• The outcomes have exceeded expectations. The apprentices involved were more confident, understood one another’s skills better, integrated well with the rest of the workforce, raised their own profile within the company, not to mention the practical skills they also developed
• SIAF’s profile amongst the local authority stakeholders and community rose because of the prestige of having QinetiQ involved, it increased the audience reach of the Festival and created a permanent and striking landmark
• The Festival has grown significantly over the last decade and is estimated to be generating some £500,000 for the local economy.
• The partnership has received considerable media coverage, been awarded three A&B South West Awards and shortlisted for the prestigious Prudential A&B People Development Award in 2008.

Paul Ralley and NoFit State Circus: From no fit to fighting fit - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:50:08 GMT

Winner of Ballymore A&B Business Volunteer of the Year Award 2008

The opportunity

Appointed to the board of No Fit State Circus under our Board Bank programme, Paul Ralley played a vital role in transforming the failing circus from near bankruptcy into the UK’s leading contemporary circus company with an international reputation. Using his business acumen and experience, Paul set in place a framework that facilitated the fast-growing arts organisation, giving it a new lease of life.
For Paul working with No Fit State provided an opportunity to gain experience of performance management of executive directors, negotiation skills and marketing.

The impact

The 180 hours of Paul’s business experience and advice given over a two-year period were crucial to rescuing the organisation. The introduction of new financial systems enabled the circus to double its turnover within 18 months. No Fit State now possesses the financial and business skills to match its creative vision and talent.
Through his Board Bank placement, Paul learned to negotiate and prioritise more effectively and he gained a valuable insight into the internal dynamics of an arts organisation, an understanding of public funding, cultural and education policies, charity law and the workings of the Welsh Assembly Government.

John C Taylor Ltd & Matthew Lane Sanderson: A brief history of the Chronophage - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:38:41 GMT

Winner of The Marshall Business Aviation A&B Innovation & Technology Award in our East Awards 2010

The opportunity

Ever notice how fast time goes when we are running for a bus or how slow when waiting for one? Inventor Dr John C Taylor’s obsession with time’s relativity brought about a most exciting partnership and piece of art; the Corpus Chronophage, an exquisite sculptural clock whose time eating grasshopper devours minutes and controls passing time while blinking its beautiful mechanical eyes at the passing public. John brought together a talented team of inventors, designers, engineers and Matthew Sanderson, the goldsmith to learn new skills from each other, work on a large scale commission and create a masterpiece. In it they expertly combined 300 year old technology, cutting edge contemporary design and a wicked sense of humour.

The impact

The Chronophage inauguration by Stephen Hawking generated world-wide publicity and it’s now one of the top tourist sites in Cambridge, on display at Corpus Christi College. The clock has made a serious impression online as well; ‘Wow, absolutely genius!’ and ‘What a fantastically beautiful device for showing time both literally and metaphorically’ are just 2 of the 1,463 comments from over 820,000 YouTube views. The positive publicity has been of great importance to the development of John and Matthew’s, and Joan Mackerell and Huxley Bertram’s reputations and subsequent commissions and activities.

www.johnctaylor.com

The Co-operative & Cambridge City Council: The value of co-operation - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:38:30 GMT

Winner of The District A&B Cultural Branding Award and also the A&B Sustained Partnership Award in our East Awards 2010

As the age-old riddle goes ‘If a tree falls in a forest and no-one hears it, does it make a sound?’

The opportunity

The world's largest consumer-owned business and ethical champion, The Co-operative Group is very aware that while they’re brilliant at what they do, they‘re “terrible at letting people know about it”. Keen to rectify this, the Co-op embarked on a national marketing campaign and the opportunity to sign up for the title sponsorship of one of the most prestigious folk festivals in the world, The Co-operative Cambridge Folk Festival, which ran alongside a TV campaign featuring Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowing in the Wind’. The sponsorship of the Festival was an opportunity to communicate their environmental, ethical and fair trading values to their target audience. For Cambridge City Council, The Co-operative’s support is key to bringing legendary musicians and the hottest young things to the Festival, keeping ticket prices low and developing its own sustainability; recycling, ethical trading etc.

The impact

The Co-operative was not only able to communicate directly with the 14,000 attendees, but to actually demonstrate what they do through popular give-aways and interactive campaigns, adding to the Festival experience as opposed to being an avoidable add-on. The brand synergy was widely appreciated by attendees and press. The Co-op received extensive media coverage through its association with the Festival including branding on BBC 4 TV, mentions on BBC Radio 2, extensive online coverage and £100,000 worth of column inches. The Festival and The Co-op continue to nurture their partnership and support each other’s ethical and environmental values for the benefit of the public.

www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

Cranfield University & HAPPEN and Julie Freeman: Nano art facts - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:38:20 GMT

Shortlisted for The Marshall Business Aviation A&B Innovation & Technology Award in our East Awards 2010

The opportunity

Nanotechnology. It’s a catchy term, we’ve heard of it, but do we understand it? One man who understands this technology for controlling matter on an atomic and molecular level is Professor Jeremy Ramsden and artist Julie Freeman proved herself to be the person to help communicate this understanding to us, the wider public. Through funding partner Wellcome Trust, art agency HAPPEN, driven by the belief that artists have much more to contribute to society than is currently accepted, created this opportunity for collaboration and development of relations with Cranfield University and initiate an artist in residency scheme.

The impact

Through 16 artworks installed on campus, 12 lectures and talks delivered by Julie at the Royal College of Art, the Science Museum, Imperial College London, the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and the Bangalore Centre for Internet and Society among others and a major exhibition at Cranfield, the project reached 3000 people directly and over 50,000 though the website, articles and radio broadcasts. Breaking down complex ideas into digestible information is essential in our current climate of information overload. Thanks to Jeremy and Julie nanotechnology terminology has been unlocked and the collaboration continues with a series of artworks focusing on self-organisation, nanomedicine, and even nano-food. The Nano-Novels exhibition can be seen in the FRINGEMK Project Space, 1 Midsummer Place, Cental Milton Keynes from 16th March – 5th May 2010.

in-particular.net/

www.happen.org.uk

thecentre:mk & FRINGE Milton Keynes: Centre of the fringe - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:38:09 GMT

Shortlisted for The Marshall Business Aviation A&B Innovation & Technology Award in our East Awards 2010

The opportunity

Milton Keynes is certainly fresh faced. In fact, with an average age of 26 years and under, it has the youngest demographic in the UK. In the fall of 2009 FRINGEMK International Arts Festival burst into the consciousness of centre:mk shoppers and this youthful digital savvy population with its month long programme showcasing combined arts practises. centre:mk seized upon this opportune partnership with FRINGEMK, introducing creativity and international, experimental and digital media into the shopping centre to attract new customers, drive sales and energise its public perception. FRINGEMK aimed to bring the best of contemporary arts practises to vast audiences, free of charge.

The impact

By engaging over 150 artists and organisations, curating 10 solo exhibitions, promoting new media and innovative technology, the Festival generated audiences of over 8million and greatly increased the city’s media profile. Among the combined PR, operational and financial benefits of the partnership to centre:mk was an increased customer base of 11%, media attention of 40% and increased skills, confidence and creativity among staff gained mainly through working with artists. The actual monetary return on investment was excellent and brand new digital screens with Bluetooth servers dispersed throughout the city centre provide a digital legacy to the Festival and further promotional opportunities for both partners. Together they changed the city’s attitude to the arts.

www.fringemk.com

Countryside Annington & Colchester Borough Council: Pride of place - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:28:15 GMT

Winner of The Cambridge University Press A&B Community Award in our East Awards 2010

The opportunity

Some call it ‘plop art’, others call it art litter. But when it works, when it really works, public art does much more than just add ‘character and visual interest’ to an area. It provides a reason for a community to come together and a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come. This was the case when developers Countryside Annington joined forces with Colchester Borough Council to commission artist Richard Layzell to engage the local Colchester Garrison community and produce a piece of public art together.

The impact

In embracing the public art project as a key part of the development, Countryside Annington created a space for the community to explore local issues such as schooling, anti-social behaviour and dealing with a family member at war in Afghanistan. Over a period of 9 months Richard organised talks, tours and workshops involving school children and the final artwork itself was hand-crafted and painted by the community. 800 people gained hands on experience with the creative project, a deeper understanding of development and construction and ultimately a say in shaping their own environment and the positive sense of place and pride that goes with that. Countryside Annington enhanced their relationship with the local authority and community and received positive local media coverage.

Hall for Cornwall, Dennis Arbon and Virginia Woolf’s beach - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:24:21 GMT

The Hall for Cornwall, in the centre of Truro, has been many things over the years – a market hall to a skating rink - but in 1997 it was saved from decay and dereliction when it was converted into a theatre. Today attracting over 180,000 theatre-goers with its eclectic programme mix of music, drama, dance, plays and comedy.

But getting the theatre going, and keeping it going, has been no easy task and would not have been possible without the continued support of Dennis Arbon. He first appeared on the scene as a major donor for the initial capital development, then campaigned tirelessly during the public campaign to get the theatre created. In recognition of his efforts the board room was named after him.

But his financial support didn’t stop there. Early on in the theatre’s life it experienced financial difficulties. When the bank threatened to withdraw its finances Dennis stepped forward with a personal guarantee which kept the Hall for Cornwall from insolvency and closure.

He continues to sponsor performances, educational activities and capital campaigns. But in 2009 not content with the conventional means of sponsorship Dennis Arbon’s most unusual gift came when he very generously donated for auction Upton Towans beach that inspired Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse. It raised a fantastic £80,000 for The Hall for Cornwall as well as considerable publicity.

Photo: Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive, Arts & Business; Dennis Arbon; Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter and Tim Brinkman, Director at Hall for Cornwall

Preston Hall Museum and the value of volunteers - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:23:43 GMT

Preston Hall Museum, located in Stockton-on-Tees, tells the story of the local region, from the Dark Ages to the present day, through regular exhibitions, period rooms and a recreated Victorian open-air street with working craftsmen. All of the Museum’s volunteers are essential for the ongoing running of the Museum and ensuring visitors receive a high-quality experience, but two volunteers deserve special mention.

Elizabeth Bartlett and Janet Hall have put in more than 500 hours of volunteering between them. Their work has covered everything from assisting in educational activities for school children such as ‘Victorian School day’ and ‘Wash Day’ to demonstrations such as how to make an African Bag Garden. They have re-potted plants in the Winter Garden, written interpretation panels, prepared family trails as well as having looked after 120 people on ‘family fun days’.

Photo: Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive, Arts & Business; Elizabeth Bartlett; Janet Hall, Nick Brown MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East & Wallsend and Janet Brown, Learning, Access and Outreach Manager, Preston Hall Museum

Cultural Champions: Seven Stories and the donation of literature - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:20:12 GMT

Lindy McKinnel is passionate about children’s literature. Her partner was the respected children’s author Robert Westall who wrote The Wheatstone Pond, The Machine Gunners and The Scarecrows and won The Guardian Award, Smarties Prize and the Carnegie Medal for his works.

When the proposal for a Centre for Children’s Literature in Newcastle was made, it was a cause Lindy strongly believed in. Opened in 2005, the Centre is the first in the UK wholly dedicated to childrens’ books. Comprising a programme of exhibitions, family activities, storytelling, author & illustrator events and a bookshop, Seven Stories is designed to spark the imaginations of children and adults, and inspire exciting new work.

Lindy gave an initial gift of £100,000 to the capital development of the Centre as well as donating Robert Westall’s archive collection. The collection at Seven Stories is a treasure trove of original artwork and manuscripts which show the creative process behind childrens’ books and Robert’s work has a key place in this collection. By working together Seven Stories and Lindy also put on a dedicated exhibition of his work in 2006.

Photo: Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive, Arts & Business; Lindy McKinnel; Nick Brown MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East & Wallsend and Kate Edwards, Chief Executive, Seven Stories

Watts Gallery receives financial and conservation support from their Cultural Champions - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:19:30 GMT

Situated in Compton, Guildford, the Watts Gallery promotes the art of G. F. Watt from paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture. A complex figure, Watts was the finest and most penetrating portraitist of his age, a sculptor, landscape painter and symbolist which earned him the title ‘England’s Michelangelo.’ Watts Gallery is unique in being the only purpose-built art gallery to show a single professional artist’s collection.

For the last five years the Gallery has been supported by Dr Greenhow who has acted as a steward but also been fundamental in the conservation and cataloguing of the collection. She has documented and scanned archival material, transcribed precious Victorian diaries and helped with the cost of conservation so that generations in the future will be able to enjoy and access Watt’s art.

Ken Miller is also a long-term supporter of the Watts Gallery and has been offering financial advice and assistance since 2004. An international businessman, Ken Miller has been the architect of the financial strategy for the Watts Gallery, supporting its bids to the Heritage Lottery Fund, advising on its investment portfolio and supporting the Director and Trustees in financial strategy and governance. His help and expertise have been invaluable to the Gallery during a period of growth and change – it has not just been about Ken’s time but also his valuable business expertise that has made him a Cultural Champion.

Photo: Jonathan Shaw, former MP for Chatham and Aylesford; Dr Desna Greenhow; Ken Miller and Jane Chamber, Regional Director, Arts & Business

Deal Festival thanks its supporters - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:19:20 GMT

The Deal Festival of Music & Arts was founded in 1982 and has music and art performances throughout Deal, Sandwich and Walmer. Taking place for two weeks of the year at the beginning July, the programme comprises chamber music, opera, street music, talks, art exhibitions and educational projects. Deal Festival of Music & Arts goes from strength to strength, not only as an arts festival for the people of Deal and the surrounding rural area, but also for those who, increasingly, travel some distance to enjoy the variety of events on offer at festival time in these historic sea-side towns.

But it is the energy and time of supporters that make the Festival the success it is. Graham Harvey works tirelessly with music in the community for the Festival, directing bands as well as running an annual singing festival for primary schools and a music competition for young musicians. He has also helped to create a new community recording studio and performing space. While Penny Bearman, a well-known local artist, devotes her time and energy working with children on numerous creative art projects and most recently painting murals on hoardings in Deal High Street.

Photo: Jonathan Shaw, former MP for Chatham and Aylesford; Penny Bearman; Graham Harvey and Jane Chambers, Regional Director, Arts & Business

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s membership scheme - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:17:32 GMT

Started in 1920, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is a 90-piece ensemble with an international reputation, offering the very best in musical performance and education in addition to championing Birmingham and the UK culturally. The resident orchestra, based at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, perform over 80 concerts each year.

But this amazing organisation would be much poorer if it wasn’t for their loyal members.

Starting a decade ago with just 9 members, the Chair Endowers (one of four levels of CBSO membership) now boasts a membership of 70. Each member is matched with a musician from the Orchestra helping to bring loyal audiences into the CBSO musical family. These loyal supporters are ambassadors for their musicians and the Orchestra helping to go from strength-to-strength over the years. Some members even go ‘on the road’ with their musician. These 70 champions have donated thousands of pounds and encouraged the growth of the individual giving programme by bringing in other supporters.

A handful of the members will be celebrated at the forthcoming Midlands Cultural Champions reception on Tuesday 5 October at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Oxford Playhouse and Richard Gladstone - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:15:50 GMT

Giving up two days a week, being a major donor and knowing the theatre backwards are just some of the ways in which Richard Gladstone helps the Oxford Playhouse – for the past 17 years!

He has volunteered for longer than most of the staff have worked here and is a fountain of knowledge concerning past productions. He kindly gives up his time two days a week to help in the Development Office with events and administrative tasks and does it all with a cheerful and thoughtful approach.
Richard is also a major donor to the theatre – giving both regular donations and generous one-off gifts. He has been donating in this way for more than 17 years and volunteering for 14.

Over the years he has helped countless productions, both amateur and professional, from sourcing a much-needed prop and attending the show to helping financially. The companies he has helped include; Oxford Shakespeare Company, Dante or Die, Idlemotion, MakeSpace.

It goes without saying that Richard is an avid theatre-goer with a real passion for what happens at the Playhouse – he is one of their biggest fans and is always willing to try new things. In this way, he provides moral support as well as being a committed donor and volunteer. He is a true patron of the arts in both senses of the word.

Barber Institute for Fine Arts and Sir Dominic Cadbury - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:12:16 GMT

Everyone knows the Cadbury dynasty. But their business brilliance and social conscious goes further than many may realise. Retiring from Cadbury Schweppes in 2000, Sir Dominic Cadbury was made Chancellor of the University of Birmingham in 2002.

One of the University’s jewels in their crown is the Barber Institute for Fine Arts, of which Sir Dominic is President. It has an amazing collection by some of the great artists of all time: Monet, Manet, Renoir, Rubens, Rossetti, Rodin, Degas, Delacroix, van Dyck, Botticelli, Poussin, Turner, Gainsborough, Gauguin, van Gogh, Picasso to Hodgkin (to name a few). The Barber is also home to the University of Birmingham's departments of History of Art and Music, as well as the Barber Fine Art and Music libraries. To harness the enthusiasm of the collection’s audience, The Barber Institute wanted to develop a Patrons scheme.

Sir Dominic was involved in the development of the scheme and has been unstinting in his time and support, regularly attending meetings and cultivation events. He helped identify and recruit new members enabling The Barber to reach its target of 10 patrons in the first 12 months.

“We are in no doubt that the success of the Scheme is due to Sir Dominic’s contribution: his profile and contacts as a businessman and member of the Cadbury family, his commitment to the arts, and his social skills and graces, make him a perfect ambassador for the Barber Institute in Birmingham and the wider region”.

Anita Bhalla securing the future of Midlands Arts Centre - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:11:59 GMT

The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) is a leading arts venue offering a range of events and activities for audiences from cinema showings, performing arts, visual arts to being the home of the Shout Festival. When it embarked on its £15million capital campaign to refurbish and create purpose-built spaces, they needed strong and influential supporters – so they looked to their Board to provide this support.

As Chair for the MAC, Anita Bhalla OBE recognised the importance of the organisation’s Board to financial support the campaign, so she led the way in securing financial support from every single board member. Anita and her husband Ranjit Sondhi CBE also made generous donations in memory of family members. Through her position as Editor of Public Space Broadcasting (a partnership project across the UK with Local Authorities, community groups and LOCOG) and wide network, Anita managed to raise awareness of the project. Consequently she introduced a range of decision makers to the organisation to help with the campaign.

Financial support, raising awareness and bringing in other funds, Anita has been a stalwart support of MAC. Offering advice during challenging times and personal support to members of staff, Anita is the perfect example of a dream Chair.

Richard Claridge supporting the arts, elderly and community - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:11:42 GMT

In the last three years, Richard Claridge proprietor of Claridge Nursing Homes, has become one of The Courtyard Centre for the Arts’ greatest supporters and champions, both in financial terms and for his public support. Under his umbrella group - Claridge Nursing Homes - Mr Claridge sponsored The Courtyard’s pantomime and this season has extended it to the Orchestras Live concert series.

The relationship has also helped in unforeseen ways. Richard’s support as an attendee, philanthropist and businessman helped The Courtyard’s successful bid for funding the position of an Older Person’s Arts Officer. Claridge Nursing Homes provided a letter of support explaining how The Courtyard’s delivery of ongoing “reminiscence workshops” with residents suffering from dementia had shown very positive benefits.

“Mr Claridge is also a great supporter of the wider Herefordshire community and charities, for example, commissioning a stunning stained glass window for the county’s new crematorium last year."

Business sponsor to champion - The Spark Children's Art Festival - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:11:18 GMT

Champions for the arts can come from everywhere, even from within your business sponsors.

Kevin Moss and Jim Larkin are Marketing Director and Operations Director of Taylor Bloxham Limited have been the print partners for The Spark Children’s Art Festival since 2006. These two individuals however have taken their company’s financial and in-kind sponsorship to another level. Offering a hands-on approach to Spark, they have helped the organisation to become more aware of sustainable printing technologies to inviting 60 young people to a tour of Taylor Bloxham as part of a recycling project.

Not satisfied with a factory tour, they developed a programme to inspire the children and impress teachers.

“Even in these turbulent economic times, Taylor Bloxham have continued to support us and their dedication to Spark ensures the children’s arts festival thrives”.

Aggregate Industries & Shropshire Council - Arts & Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:09:17 GMT

Jaguar Land Rover Award winners for ‘Business Innovation (in partnership with Clarke Associates)’ Category 2010

The opportunity

Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Public Art Partnership and Aggregate Industries formed a partnership to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin by creating the ‘Quantum Leap’ sculpture, one of the largest sculptures in the West Midlands.

The nature and scale of this high risk art project was unprecedented in Shropshire, comprising the extremely complicated construction of 31x3.5 m propeller shaped blades which had to be positioned along a 9m high arch.

The impact

For Aggregate Industries, this project gave their employees the opportunity to work on something very different, requiring vast degrees of creativity, teamwork, and technical expertise. It enhanced their profile and relationship with the community.

Shropshire Council was able to showcase the unique landscape and how it assisted in the formation of Darwin’s evolutionary ideas. Wider social benefits include the regeneration of the previously unused riverside site while reinforcing Shrewsbury’s reputation as a cultural town, and as a location for inward investment.

The Quantum Leap sculpture has been captured on all major media both regionally and nationally, and is passed by thousands of people each day.

“We are immensely proud of our involvement in this unique project and the part we played in the delivery of Quantum Leap. It is a spectacular piece of public art and beautifully encapsulates Darwin’s connection to the inspiring landscape of Shropshire. ”
Simon Taylor, Director Midlands & North for Aggregates Industry

“Shropshire continues to build a reputation for innovation. There’s no doubt that the valuable contribution of Aggregate Industry and the energy of the Public Art Partnership resulted in a far more ambitious project than the Council alone could have created.”
Portfolio Holder for Culture & Leisure Cllr Steven Charmley

“Quantum Leap has given our town a lasting legacy that is a most fitting commemoration of the Charles Darwin bicentenary, and the project is a superb example of the many initiatives the Shrewsbury Business Chamber have become involved with.”
Simon Airey, Shrewsbury Public Art Partnership

Sky Arts & Hay Festival: Hay fever - Arts & Business

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:57:24 GMT

Shortlisted for A&B Cultural Branding Award, 2009

The opportunity

Each year, thousands people gather together to soak up the literary delights at the Guardian Hay Festival: one of the biggest, best known literary festivals in the world. With Sky Arts as broadcast sponsor, beaming the best of the festival into homes across the UK, the festival had the opportunity to reach a mass audience of over 9 million customers whilst the partnership demonstrates Sky Arts' commitment to the arts. Both partners, committed to climate change, also work together to educate visitors through Hay’s charity partner, Global Action Plan.

The impact

Hay has been able to reach more than a million Sky Arts homes and people from across the country have been able to watch the highlights from Hay every day of the festival. SkyArts’ experiential marketing activity created a buzz at the festival and encouraged more than 11,000 visitors, including many influential figures, to engage in some way with its brand in relation to Hay. The effective mix of programming, online content, marketing, experiential activity and staff engagement has forged a powerful brand partnership.

"At Sky we want to contribute to cultural life in the UK by bringing the arts to a wider audience; on screen, on stage, online and on the streets. Sky Arts’ partnership with Hay is a great way of doing this, and in 2009 we produced over 30 hours of premium high definition content, bringing exclusive and unparalleled daily access to the festival to millions of people’s homes across the UK." Lucy Carver, Director of the Bigger Picture, Sky Arts

Bank of America Merrill Lynch & the National Theatre: New Connections - Arts & Business

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:18:47 GMT

Shortlisted for A&B Young People Award, 2009

The opportunity

The creation of new scripts by established playwrights provided a powerful means to motivate and inspire young people in schools and youth theatres throughout the UK and Ireland. The National Theatre’s New Connections project was an attractive partnership opportunity for the Bank of America Merrill Lynch, given the importance placed by the company on providing local communities - and particularly young people - access to the arts.

In addition to financial support, the partnership with Bank of America Merrill Lynch has helped The National Theatre broaden the programme's reach to include at risk groups. This has been made possible through the bank's existing relationships with Fairbridge, Barnado's and The Prince's Trust.

The impact

Over a two year period, New Connections has reached 6,216 young participants through its 189 productions in 181 organisations across the UK and Ireland. 10 new plays were produced by professional writers, and young people from Bank of America Merrill's Lynch's partner charities created short plays inspired by their own personal stories, which were performed at the National Theatre in July 2008. A Faber & Faber anthology of the plays was sent to 6,700 schools and sold in bookshops.

"Bank of America Merrill Lynch is committed to bringing the power of theatre to young people regardless of their circumstances. What makes this programme particularly interesting to us is its geographic reach and focus on young people who are at risk. This partnership has allowed our company to showcase its strong commitment to supporting the cultural and economic vitality of the communities we serve and we have been delighted to be involved." Rena DeSisto, EMEA head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, and Global Arts & Heritage Executive, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Graham's The Family Dairy & Edinburgh International Book Festival - Arts & Business

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:09:44 GMT

The opportunity

The Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place each summer in the world heritage site of Charlotte Square Gardens. The largest literary festival in the world attracts 200,000 people from across the UK and around the world to over 700 unique events.

Graham's The Family Dairy, Scotland’s second largest independent dairy company, celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2009 and as part of its marketing and promotions activity for the year was looking for an opportunity to increase its brand awareness across Scotland. Its cash and in-kind sponsorship of the Book Festival provided it with excellent sponsorship benefits around a high profile children’s author event and a linked ‘on the farm’ workshop where children were able to browse and be inspired by a book produced by Graham’s and sold in aid of the children’s charity CHAS.

The impact

With a matching Scottish Government New Arts Sponsorship Grant the Book Festival was able to promote Graham’s to Major Sponsor level and to offer them a special Graham's The Family Dairy Book Reading event in its party pavilion where it could offer samples of Graham's milk to the audience after lunchtime storytime every day of the Festival. Graham’s received appropriate branding and acknowledgements throughout the Festival, as well as opportunities to distribute branded activity sheets for children in the children’s tent, complimentary tickets for client entertainment, one free use of a hospitality venue and invitations to the press launch and opening party. Through its link with the Festival, Graham’s enhanced the company’s reputation with audiences and clients alike. Thanks to this partnership, the Book Festival was able to augment its children’s programme with relevant, entertaining and educational activities for children and their families. Graham’s also sponsored on pack advertising for the Festival on its milk cartons that helped the festival in reaching out to a wider Scottish audience.

BP & the British Museum: Breaking boundaries - Arts & Business

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:15:26 GMT

Shortlisted for JTI A&B Community Award, 2009

The opportunity

The Face of an Emperor: Hadrian Inspects the Wall touring exhibition which served as a preview to the Hadrian: Empire and Conflict exhibition at the British Museum enabled both BP and the British Museum to engage with communities outside of London by partnering with the two regional museums around Hadrian’s Wall in the North of England. Although this was part of the wider Partnership UK Programme which regularly tours British Museum objects around the UK, this was the first time the British Museum has ever created a touring preview for one of its major exhibitions in Bloomsbury. BP’s involvement in Face of an Emperor: Hadrian Inspects the Wall as well as Hadrian: Empire and Conflict, was an unprecedented opportunity to contribute to various local communities in a positive and meaningful manner.

The impact

The Face of an Emperor: Hadrian Inspects the Wall touring exhibition exposed the BP & British Museum partnership to a much wider audience, reinforced by an extensive marketing campaign. It also contributed to a marked increase in visitor numbers to the two regional museums as well as in tourism to Hadrian’s Wall during the period of the exhibitions.

"We are extremely proud that BP's partnership with the British Museum enabled the inaugural preview tour, Face of an Emperor: Hadrian Inspects the Wall, which brought an object of historical and local significance to regional communities and created new and lasting relationships." Ian Adam, Director, UK Social & Community Affairs, BP

Andaz Hotel & Damien Barr: Reader in residence - Arts & Business

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:46:45 GMT

Shortlisted for Lloyd's A&B Innovation Prize, 2009

The opportunity

Journalist, playwright and general bon vivant Damian Barr came to live at Andaz Hotel for a month. While there, he provided guests with a book menu in their rooms. Guests could call reception and have Damian come to their room or meet them at the bar and read to them aloud. When the Andaz first launched in East London, it wanted to position itself as a hotel which offered a unique arts experience. Damian’s innovative residency surpassed all expectations and his unique concept whipped up a global media storm.

The impact

The Andaz Hotel’s innovative vision brought about the world’s first reader-in-residence. Andaz went on to launch hotels in New York and Los Angeles, but it was its innovative partnership with Damien Barr that put the brand on a global stage. The multimedia campaign tapped into social networking sites boosting both partners’ profile beyond expectation. Damian has become his own ‘brand’ and his bibliotherapy is now much in demand around the world. The Andaz meanwhile has gained a reputation for promoting the arts – a corporate with a cultural sensibility.

"Bringing in Damian Barr as Andaz’s reader-in-residence worked on two distinct levels for us. As publicity it was unparalleled – it led to news stories on four continents and every possible form of media. But more importantly it set us apart from other hotels and positioned us as a brand that weaves the arts into the very fabric of what we do." Simon Warrington, Andaz Hotel

Accenture & National Theatre & Scottish Opera: Enhanced performance - Arts & Business

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:46:45 GMT

Shortlisted for Lloyd's A&B Innovation Prize, 2009

The opportunity

The National Theatre (NT) and Accenture developed the original idea of sponsoring Innovation at the NT in November 2005 and undertook a parallel initiative supporting a major new contemporary opera project, Five:15 Operas Made in Scotland with Scottish Opera in January 2008.

Together Accenture and the National Theatre and Scottish Opera are breaking down the physical boundaries of how audiences experience artistic content. Of particular note is the creation of the Big Wall in the NT foyer, a large, touch-sensitive, interactive screen that uses advanced technology to take audiences into the world behind selected productions.

The impact

Accenture’s work backstage at the NT and Scottish Opera derives from a new sponsorship approach - Intelligent Funding; a unique package of resources and financial support that matches sponsorship fees with value-in-kind consulting. As a result, the Accenture team has undertaken a wide range of projects which demonstrate tangible return on investment including enabling online ticket bookings, audience analysis and reducing the environmental impact of IT systems at the NT and creating a brand new website to drive audiences at Scottish Opera.

The sponsorships have generated significant interest including 12,768 unique visitors to the Accenture.com sponsorship page since November 2005, making it the second most viewed page on the Accenture website.

"Our innovative partnerships with the National Theatre and Scottish Opera are deeply embedded in the values of our company. The partnerships are key to driving new business - with extensive client entertaining opportunities at the NT and the Scottish Opera and by allowing us to showcase our cutting edge business and creative technology in a unique way - demonstrating an impressive return on investment."
Terry Corby, Marketing Director, Accenture UK & Ireland

Swan Housing Group & Acme Studios: Popular and creative housing - Arts & Business

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:46:45 GMT

Shortlisted for Lloyds A&B Innovation Prize, 2009

The opportunity

Creating a vibrant buzz for Poplar residents was a major priority for Swan Housing Group when they acquired a disused site, including a warehouse in East London. Acme Studios, who provide affordable studios, residencies and awards for artists was a perfect match for Swan, an advocate for sustainable, high-quality and affordable homes. Together, with Acme drawing on additional funding from the Arts Council, they created Atelier Court in Poplar, with artists’ studios set up on the ground floor. Swan realised that artists’ studios provided an innovative alternative to business occupying the space, while still guaranteeing sustainable employment in an area in need of regeneration.

The impact

Swan’s commitment to providing 100% affordable developments is successfully reflected in its partnership with Acme. Artists filled the 21 new studios as soon as they became available, as Acme have a 600-strong waiting list. With such a high demand for space Acme can guarantee that the studios will provide a low risk return and steady source of income. Swan is now exploring other potential developments in partnership with Acme.

"Our support for Acme studios is just part of Swan Housing’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive communities. Acme’s artists’ studios have made the Leven Road community a vibrant yet stable development, and helped cement its position as a real part of the thriving Tower Hamlets community." Ray Clarke, Project Manager, Swan Housing Group

BT Northern Ireland & Queen’s Film Theatre - Arts & Business

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:46:45 GMT

The opportunity

BT Northern Ireland incorporates ingenuity and creativity into its core principles alongside reliability through its new sponsorship strategy, while also creating inspirational and relevant associations – like this one with Queen’s Film Theatre. As part of the BT sponsorship package, QFT underwent a brand audit leading to an overhaul of the QFT website and modernisation of its communications channels, bringing social networking and digital media into its marketing mix.

Arts & Business was able to facilitate the creation of Local Genius, a series of short films celebrating local innovators, which was screened at the launch of the Reel Genius film festival.

The impact

The partnership with QFT allowed BT to create a new brand experience; a community spirit and a strong cultural association - in this way delivering marketing, communications and branding objectives alongside CSR and staff benefits. BT staff and their families have special access to QFT screenings.
QFT was able to substantially modernise and enhance its communications mix. QFT’s audience has embraced the ingenuity principle leaving comments on the Genius Wall that will inform future programming. Moving forward, A&B will also support a viral marketing campaign to promote QFT’s surprise screenings of cult films.

“BT is proud to announce the launch of its new sponsorship and partnership with QFT. It’s a relationship that to many may seem unusual. But both brands have similar values, philosophies and ambitions. BT are champions of innovation, creativity and communication and what better example of this essence than the films shown at QFT.” Peter Morris, Consumer Director, BT in Northern Ireland

Photo: Susan Picken, Head of QFT and Peter Morris Consumer Director, BT in Northern Ireland, launch of the Reel Genius Film Festival
Supplied by Queen’s Film Theatre