Leading businesses have come on board as corporate sponsors of three striking new artworks now installed at The Braid, Ballymena's new arts centre, museum and civic centre.
WH Stephens, the Event-ful consultancy and First Trust Bank will sponsor the artworks, which were specially commissioned following a national competition to create designs that reflect the Borough's rich local history and traditions.
Rosalind Lowry, Arts and Development Officer at The Braid Arts Centre explains how their support acknowledges the benefits of an association with Northern Ireland's newest cultural centre:
"The Braid not only provides a wonderful new arts centre & museum for the whole community; it also gives our business community an opportunity to get involved and be part of something new and worthwhile."
"We are delighted that the corporate sector has demonstrated such support to both the arts and The Braid - and look forward to unveiling these fantastic artworks to the public."
WH Stephens are sponsoring a colourful linen installation, with suspended panels in rich reds and golds. Hand made by Patricia Murphy from County Louth, it reflects the rich tapestry of Ballymena's linen industry and Braidwater Mill, both of which are reflected in the name of the complex - The Braid.
The Event-ful consultancy will lend their support to a fun collection of giant pink neon workers ants, a light installation based on worker ants, depicting the life and activity in the new building - sculpted by Alex Pentek of Cork.
First Trust Bank will sponsor a striking printed glass interior wall installation, the creation of Fermanagh artist, Sean Campbell, which traces the life of the Town Hall from the 1920s to the present day.
The Braid Arts Centre is also extremely proud to welcome on board Michelin Tyres plc as the main sponsor for the next 3 years of The Arts Workshops - now known as The Michelin Arts Workshops. The 2 Arts Workshops will be home to all the Arts Centre classes, workshops and exhibitions - everything from childrens craft classes to guitar lessons will take place in these 2 practical rooms.
Rosalind Lowry, Arts Development Officer comments "Michelin have been a longstanding partner with us in the Arts for the borough and have supported our Arts Festival and Community Arts for many years, we are very proud to have their name and association with The Braid Arts Centre"
The Braid Arts Centre is proud to announce that SVM Properties are their latest new Sponsor. Sponsoring the new Arts Programme for the forthcoming season from the Russian Classical Ballet to the new Children's Arts Festival, Rosalind Lowry, Arts Development Officer commented - 'We are so pleased to welcome SVM as a new Sponsor for The Braid Arts Centre, we have worked with SVM on various projects and Festivals over the years and look forward to an enhanced Arts Programme for all as a result of our partnership with SVM.'