DAA Commissions B2Arts Awards Sculpture

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has commissioned the award sculpture for the 2014 Allianz Business to Arts Awards with this year’s award created by Tipperary-based ceramicist Grainne Watts. It is the 23rd year the sculpture has been commissioned by DAA.

The shortlist for the 2014 Allianz Business to Arts Awards was announced this week with festivals, visual arts and music well represented, along with science, comedy and street performance.

This year’s judging panel was chaired by DAA’s Chief Communications Officer Paul O’Kane.

‘Harmony’ is a limited edition piece created in porcelain on a ceramic plinth, which artist Grainne Watts says, “… is a double-walled form, a precious ‘vessel’ within a larger supporting form. The outer surface is unglazed, with fine etched vertical lines symbolising the nurturing business side of the winning partnership, which surrounds and supports the delicate inner vessel which is gilded.”

The 2014 Allianz Business to Arts Awards will be presented by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, on September 9 at the National Concert Hall.

The awards seek to recognise the importance of arts and business organisations working together on projects which not only impact the partners positively, but also benefit Irish society as a whole or even reach beyond our shores.

This year’s shortlist also reflects how local artists, businesses and County Councils have successfully collaborated on innovative projects that benefit their respective communities.

Shortlisted entrants range from foreign direct investors partnering with local artists to media companies using the skills of staff to build capacity in small arts organisations, as well as financial services firms supporting workshops for chronically ill children.