The property world was to the fore at this year's Allianz Business2Arts Awards with two of the six awards presented to leading property groups.
Harcourt Developments and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority did the sector proud by figuring prominently among the award winners.
As an integral part of developing Park West Business Park, Harcourt Developments - headed by Pat Doherty - has commissioned sculptures, water features and site specific artworks for both the exterior and the interior landscapes.
In addition to positive exposure for the company, the project has resulted in important publicity for the artists involved, as well as a beautifully landscaped park for employees and visitors alike.
A total of fifteen installations have been made to date and the park regularly provides sculpture tours for local schools.
The striking commissions have received international press recognition helping to highlight the ongoing commitment of Harcourt Developments to the arts in Ireland.
Sculptor Angela Conner has three dramatic sculptures at Park West - Wave, Poise and Rolling Stones.
Lloyd le Blanc is also represented with three sculptures.
‘Dancing Cranes’ one of three bronzes at Park West by Lloyd le Blanc
For its part, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority sponsored Music in the Docklands in conjunction with the Education & Outreach Programme of the National Concert Hall.
The project involved two four week interactive music composition projects involving four primary schools within the Dublin Docklands Development Authority's catchments area.
A project leader and professional musicians worked with the children and teachers to help them compose their own music.
A theme, story or existing piece of classical music was used as the inspiration for the children's composition.
One of the groups based their composition on the story of Bluebeard which they performed (along with a musical battle and dramatic sword fight!) at the National Concert Hall.
For many of the families it was their first visit to the Concert Hall.
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority gave its full support at all stages of the project.
The authority achieved an increased awareness of their activities amongst the community and the National Concert Hall was able to provide access to music at a local level as well as introduce music to a new audience.
In total there were six award categories and two special awards this year.
The annual awards, now in their thirteenth year, are presented to business for outstanding collaboration and contribution to the arts in Ireland through sponsorship.
Other Busined2Arts 2004 award winners were Ahern & Co chartered accountants; The Irish Times; Diageo Ireland; Hennessy Cognac; National Irish Bank; and Roscommon County Arts Office for the Art@Work Project.
Business2Arts, (formerly Cothu - the business Council for the Arts) is a private company which promotes business sponsorship of the arts.