Arts & Business NI is shining a light on the vibrant creative sector here this month as it prepares to kick off its first ‘Creativity Week’. Between 13th – 19th January, Arts & Business NI (A&BNI) will be showcasing the powerful creative partnerships between the cultural and commercial sectors in Northern Ireland, recognising the positive contribution that the arts make to society whilst also inspiring more collaboration between businesses and the arts.
Organisations are being invited to share how creativity has helped them innovate and thrive – and a special ‘Celebrating Creative Partnerships’ event will take place in Belfast’s Crescent Arts Centre on 15th January. Free to those registered to attend, the lunchtime event will feature live entertainment and performances, with showcase addresses from successful creative partnerships including Belfast City Airport and Cinemagic; Translink and Seedhead Arts; and Established Coffee and Maiden Voyage Dance.
Throughout 2024, A&B NI supported 21 partnerships through its Investment Programme, which is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, each of which used the power of creativity to achieve great things. These included projects that connected businesses to local communities, reached out to youth audiences and engaged workforces through music, theatre and visual arts.
Mary Nagele, CEO of A&BNI believes highlighting the power of creativity is crucial for many reasons: “The World Economic Forum’s latest Future of Jobs report tells us that creative thinking will be one of the most in-demand workforce skills by 2027 – a fact that doesn’t surprise us in the least. Year on year, we see firsthand the many ways businesses benefit from partnering with arts sector organisations.
“Creativity, in all its many forms, can help business drive a culture of innovation, maximise growth opportunities and connect them with new audiences and communities. Creativity can unlock potential and help businesses flourish in ways they never imagined.
“You might think January can be somewhat grey, but the arts brighten every month of the year, so no better time than now to hold our first ever Creativity Week. By showcasing the vibrant creative projects that take place in our communities all year round, we will be adding a little colour to the calendar and, importantly, inspiring more businesses to connect with the arts in 2025,” Mary Nagele said.
To find out more about taking part in A&B NI Creativity Week or to register to attend the Celebrating Creative Partnerships event, visit www.artsandbusinessni.org.uk