West businesses that are helping arts groups survive and thrive in the current tough economic climate were today recognised in the region’s first Business Cultural Champions awards.
Staged by Arts & Business (A&B), the organisation that brings together the cultural and corporate worlds, the awards were handed over at a ceremony at Bristol’s Colston Hall.
The winners were: Elizabeth Bell and Art Shape; Jeremy Parrot/Brewin Dolphin and Bristol Museum, Art Galleries and Archives; David Powell/Osborne Clarke and Bristol Museum, Art Galleries and Archives; Michele Balfe and Bristol Music Trust; Chris Brotherton and Create Studios, Swindon; Tony Cherry/DAV Beachcroft and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory; Sean Connelly/Rolls-Royce and My Future, My Choice; Bruton School for Girls and Somerset Arts Week; Christopher Smith/CWS Partners and St George’s Bristol; Mike Ferry/Ferrys Home Hardware and The Plough Arts Centre; Jerry Cowhig and the Tobacco Factory Theatre.
The Business Cultural Champions programme is being support by Bristol Business News as media partner.
A&B regional director James Taljaard said: “The arts in the South West could not survive without the passionate support of hundreds of people who generously give their time, expertise, and money to help the region’s cultural organisations flourish – especially those that work within the business sector.”
Pictured: Simon Armstrong as Vanya and Alys Thomas as Yelena in Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory's production of Uncle Vanya
