The Arts: An affair with business

Last December Arts & Business (A&B) revealed figures showing support for the arts from private sources had grown to £530 million, at twice the rate of inflation. No one can deny that for a sector which is at almost constant threat of funding cuts or shortages, this is a good thing. In fact, many argue that a relationship with business is one of the most important of all for any arts organisations, and with Arts & Business giving away their coveted awards this month it has in many ways become the future of arts funding. No longer is it about businesses simply handing over the cash in return for a warm feeling and free tickets, it’s become much more about strategic relationships, sustainability and collaboration. As Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive of A&B commented to Arts Hub, he hopes awards demonstrate “that the relationship between business and the arts are still alive and well in the UK” and that the awards “act as inspiration” for others.