Foundation Founded in 1976 as
Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts (ABSA), Arts & Business was based on a model developed in New York by
David Rockefeller. The first organisation of its kind in the UK, ABSA pioneered business sponsorship of the arts in the UK.
Philanthropy The
Prince of Wales Medal for Arts Philanthropy was created in 2008 to honour leading
philanthropists who have made an outstanding contribution to cultural organisations in the UK. Five individuals or couples are honoured each year for the impact of their financial donations, leadership and support has had on a regional or national level. The honourees are presented their medal by
The Prince of Wales at a ceremony at his private residence in November. Previous honourees include
Lord and Lady Sainsbury and
Dame Vivien Louise Clore Duffield, DBE.
The Big Arts Give was a challenge fund scheme to help arts organisations develop income from individual giving. This scheme, devised with
The Reed Foundation and
The Big Give aimed to raise £3 million donated to the arts by Christmas 2010.
Cultural Champions was a programme designed to promote personal philanthropy in the cultural sector. It acknowledges individuals who have made a voluntary contribution to the arts in England.
The Arts & Business Awards The annual Arts & Business Awards showcase partnerships and sponsorships between businesses and arts organisations in the UK. Categories include cultural branding, people development, community and young people, sustained partnerships, and business innovation as well as awards for individuals who sat on arts boards or acted as arts fundraisers.
Merger In December 2011, Arts & Business merged with the
Business in the Community (BITC) with the aim of returning to its business roots, working with corporate members to promote their support of cultural projects across the UK. ==Research==