Tesco Bank, Clydesdale Bank Plc, Shell UK Ltd and Glasgow Airport in the running for recognition
Arts & Business Scotland has revealed the impressive shortlist for its annual Awards, celebrating innovative and creative relationships between the cultural and business sectors.
Among the big business names in the running for this year’s accolades are Clydesdale Bank Plc, Tesco Bank, Shell UK Ltd, Glasgow Airport, Accenture and Glasgow City Council. This year has also seen a growth in the number of small businesses supporting the arts with smaller, regional companies including Access all Areas Distribution Ltd (Glasgow), Content Management Solutions (Perth) and Claros Imaging (Gullane) also recognised in the shortlist. Major names from the arts sector making the shortlist include Scottish Opera, the National Theatre of Scotland and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Chief Executive of Arts & Business Scotland, David Watt said: “The calibre of nominations for this year’s awards is genuinely overwhelming with some of the biggest names from both the business and arts sectors submitting entries. The shortlist showcases a fantastic range of collaborations which is testament to the commitment the business community has shown to supporting cultural activity and cultural engagement across the breadth of Scotland.”
This year will see the current format of the Awards refreshed, with the partnership awards being redefined with five new categories. Collaborations are recognised for excellence in digital innovation, entrepreneurial/sustainability, international, placemaking and people. Further awards which will be announced on the night include an award for Leadership, the Glasgow Life Award and the Enterprising Museum Award.
In a change from previous years the ceremony will move away from the traditional sit down dinner to a more informal format including a drinks reception, themed bars and canapés and a buffet provided by Wilde Thyme. The evening will be interspersed with various arts performances.
The change in format was influenced by this year’s venue – the Theatre Royal in Glasgow which is currently undergoing major improvements to its public spaces, including the creation of a new entrance, a roof terrace and spacious foyers which will accommodate new bars, a box office, hospitality suites and an education suite.
David Watt added: “We have much to be proud of when it comes to the quality, range and breadth of cultural activity in Scotland and the Arts & Business Scotland’s Awards will bring the spotlight onto some of the most vibrant and successful collaborations in the country.”
The Awards will take place on Friday 24th October at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. Sponsors of the event include Freight Design, J Thomson Colour Printers, Black Light, Whyte & Mackay, West Brewery, Accenture Scotland, Turcan Connell, Chevron Upstream Europe, Glasgow Life, Museums Galleries Scotland and Tesco Bank, with the Herald as the Awards’ media partner.
