The Creative Access Award celebrates partnerships that remove barriers and create more inclusive ways for people to experience the arts.

This year’s shortlisted initiatives demonstrate how targeted programming, outreach and practical support can expand participation among marginalised and underrepresented communities, ensuring more people can access high-quality cultural experiences.

Dive into the shortlist

POOR Feedback live stream. Credit: The Gate Theatre 

basis.point and The Gate Theatre: Live Stream of POOR

basis.point and The Gate Theatre brought a nationwide livestream of POOR, Katriona O’Sullivan’s acclaimed stage adaptation, directly into secondary school classrooms across Ireland.

The initiative reached more than 22,000 students in 337 schools across 29 counties, many of whom were experiencing professional theatre for the first time. By overcoming geographic, financial and social barriers, the partnership created a scalable model to widen access to theatre and support conversations around resilience, empathy and personal potential.

Clancourt Schools & The Ark. Credit: Marie Junker 

Clancourt and The Ark: Ark Access

Clancourt and The Ark created Ark Access for Schools to provide children attending DEIS schools in Dublin with free, high-quality arts experiences.

Since 2023, more than 1,000 children have participated in performances, workshops and exhibitions, alongside professional development for teachers. Through tailored programming and practical support, the partnership has removed financial and logistical barriers while building sustained relationships between schools and the arts.

Dr Eamon Sweeney - Lullaby Residency Project Artistic Lead. Credit: Leadh Connolly 

Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, Katharine Howard Foundation and Music Network: Lullaby Residency

The Lullaby Residency brought migrant and local families together through music, creativity and cultural exchange in Clare and Kildare.

Led by Dr Eamon Sweeney, weekly workshops explored lullabies in English, Irish and 16 additional languages. Using a trauma-sensitive approach, the project helped address isolation, language barriers and limited access to cultural opportunities, while strengthening confidence, wellbeing and community connection.

Launching the UCH Cinderella Pantomime at King John’s Castle Limerick. Credit: Alan Place 

Specsavers Limerick and University Concert Hall: Panto for All

Panto for All was created to make live theatre more accessible to vulnerable and marginalised children and families across the Mid-West.

From January 2025 to January 2026, more than 920 children and family members attended through the programme, many for the first time. Relaxed performances, captioning, Irish Sign Language interpretation, sensory supports and complimentary tickets helped create a more welcoming experience for neurodiverse audiences, Deaf communities and families facing barriers to participation.

This year’s shortlist reflects the many ways business and arts partnerships can create more equitable access to creative and cultural experiences. 

We look forward to celebrating the impact of these partnerships and announcing this year’s recipient at the Business to Arts Awards in September! 

Warmest wishes,

Louise, Valerie, Rachel, Melissa and Nina.