Lough Boora Parklands

Bord na Móna was among some of Irelands leading businesses recognised for their innovative collaboration with the arts community at the Allianz Business to Arts Awards 2009 ceremony that took place in Castletown House, Co. Kildare on Wednesday 20th May.

Special guest President Mary McAleese presented the award sculptures at the 18th annual awards.  For the 18th year the award sculpture has been commissioned by Dublin Airport Authority and this year it was designed and created by Leitrim artist Cheryl Brown. 

The awards mark a broad range of relationships - including sponsorship, commissioning, corporate social responsibility – and reward creativity in the workplace

Bord na Móna and Sculpture in the Parklands were represented at the ceremony by: Gabriel D’Arcy (Managing Director), Gerry Ryan (Director of Land, Property and Group Secretary, Tom Egan (Land Project Manager) and Kevin O’Dwyer (Artist, Sculpture in the Parklands).

Kevin O'Dwyer, President Mary McAleese, Gabriel D'Arcy

Cheryl Brown (Award Sculpture Artist), Kevin O'Dwyer, Gerry Ryan, Tom Egan

Sculpture in the Parklands will continue with it’s artist in residency programme during the month of September when Alan Counihan (Ire) and Julian Wild (UK) will work on site to create new works of art that respond to this unique landscape.

What the Jury said:

Corporate (Cultural) Responsibility Award - Bord na Móna & Sculpture in the Parklands
 
Bord na Móna’s ongoing partnership with Sculpture in the Parklands, Offaly County Council Arts Office and the 2008 collaboration with the Crafts Council of Ireland stood out for the judges as an exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility programme. Through ongoing assessment and development with the partners, the park has delivered long-term benefits to the company, their environment and community and reflects the values that are embedded in Bord na Móna.

Benefits to Company & Stakeholders
 
The success of this initiative is equally due to the financial investment and engagement of Offaly County Council and the Crafts Council of Ireland. In 2008, the combined partnership secured world-renowned environmental artist Patrick Dougherty for the residency, who created the monumental Ruaille Buaille. In 2008, Sculpture in the Parklands was included in the programme of the International Peat Congress, introducing delegates to a potential use for cutaway bogs.
 
Sculpture in the Parklands is a free community recreational facility that is open 365 days of the year. It provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with contemporary works of art by internationally renowned artists in a relaxed environment. In 2008, a hands-on educational programme for 17 primary schools and a series of master-classes for crafts people was also included in the residency.