The Irish Times Long-Term Partnership Award recognises enduring and impactful partnerships that have been in place for three years or more and have demonstrated growth and evolution over time.

Winning collaborations will show how the partnership has deepened, expanded its reach, introduced new strands of activity, or developed innovative approaches to engagement and participation.

Take a look at the shortlist

My Primary School is at the Gallery - Open Studio. Credit: Mark Stedman

SMBC Aviation Capital & National Gallery of Ireland: Nationwide Schools Programme

SMBC Aviation Capital and the National Gallery of Ireland partnered to create a nationwide Schools Programme that reimagines how young people engage with art and culture. Built on a shared commitment to inclusion, education and social equity, the long-term partnership has transformed the Gallery into a national learning resource, delivering tailored arts experiences through outreach programmes, school residencies, work experience opportunities and professional development initiatives.

Since becoming Nationwide Schools Partner in 2021, SMBC Aviation Capital has helped the programme reach 6,887 children, young people, teachers and communities across 26 counties. By addressing barriers linked to geography, socio-economic disadvantage and accessibility, the partnership has expanded participation in arts education while fostering creativity, confidence and career pathways. It stands as a powerful example of how long-term corporate support can create lasting educational and cultural impact.

202,5 Volunteer of the Year Award Loughlin Deegan, David Lane, Davy Lynch, Eleanor White Credit: Patrick Browne

Ecclesiastical Insurance & Wexford Festival Opera: Volunteer Programme 

Ecclesiastical Insurance and Wexford Festival Opera have built a 13-year partnership centred on community, culture and the people who make the Festival possible. Evolving beyond traditional sponsorship, the collaboration champions the Festival’s volunteer network through recognition initiatives and the Volunteer Memories project, a pioneering archive preserving the stories and experiences of those who have shaped the Festival over generations.

The partnership supports more than 400 volunteers annually and has transformed volunteer contributions into a lasting cultural resource. Through storytelling, digital engagement and community-focused activations, Volunteer Memories safeguards institutional knowledge while strengthening local identity and belonging. Demonstrating the value of long-term, purpose-led collaboration, the partnership ensures that the Festival’s heritage and volunteer legacy continue to inspire future generations.

NCH Quavers to Quadratics, in partnership with TCD and UCD, and supported by Research Ireland and ESB Credit: Leon Farrell

ESB & National Concert Hall: Quavers to Quadratics 

ESB and the National Concert Hall have partnered since 2020 to deliver Quavers to Quadratics, an innovative STEAM programme that uses music to inspire curiosity and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Combining the National Concert Hall’s expertise in music education with ESB’s commitment to supporting future generations, the programme has become a national model for creative, interdisciplinary learning.

With ESB’s support, Quavers to Quadratics has reached more than 10,000 students nationwide, with a particular focus on DEIS schools and underserved communities. The programme has also expanded into Gaeltacht regions, delivering workshops through Irish and creating new opportunities for participation and learning. By connecting music, science and education, the partnership is helping to develop confidence, creativity and critical thinking while inspiring future pathways into STEAM subjects.

Launch of the Family Village 2026 Credit: Andres Poveda

Dublin City Council & St Patrick's Festival 

Dublin City Council and St. Patrick’s Festival have developed a long-standing partnership to deliver Ireland’s largest cultural celebration and activate Dublin as a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming capital city. Combining the Festival’s creative vision with Dublin City Council’s stewardship of public spaces, the collaboration has continually evolved to create accessible, participatory experiences that celebrate Irish culture while strengthening civic pride and tourism.

The partnership has introduced innovative initiatives, including the Relaxed Parade Space, the St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt and the Family Village at Wood Quay, broadening participation and making the Festival more accessible to diverse audiences. With more than 625,000 attendees, almost 5,000 programme participants and a global audience exceeding 500 million, the Festival continues to deliver significant cultural impact. Together, the partners demonstrate how sustained civic and cultural collaboration can shape a world-class public event while creating meaningful opportunities for community engagement and inclusion.

Congratulations and best of luck to all the shortlisted partnerships this year! 

Warmest wishes,

Louise, Valerie, Rachel, Melissa and Nina.