KPMG: Close ties between business and arts bear fruit for both as RUA Exhibition 2018 opens

Maintaining a close working relationship between the arts and business worlds has never been more important for the success of both, KPMG has said at the opening of the Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition 2018.

John Hansen, Partner in Charge of sponsor KPMG in Northern Ireland, was speaking at the event in the Ulster Museum which kickstarts the exhibition of over 400 visual artists and is a prime example of how both sectors can benefit from close co-operation.

He said businesses can benefit from the visual arts and other forms of culture to engender creativity and to enrich the workplace, while the benefits which the arts receive from such a relationship stretches beyond financial assistance.

John Hansen, Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, said:

“The value of close co-operation between arts and business cannot be overestimated. Both can learn so much from each other and can grow in tandem if they work together.

“We are proud of our long association with the RUA Annual Exhibition which has enriched our working lives at KPMG and is a great example of how the arts and business can work together for the benefit of both, and for the benefit of society.

“As you can see from the fantastic art works on display at the exhibition, the standard of work is second to none and will provide inspiration to others to follow suit.”

 KPMG’s partnership with the RUA is marking its 11th year with this year’s exhibition of work by both members and non-members selected on merit.

The RUA received a record 1,400 entries this year of original works across the disciplines of the visual arts by emerging and established artists. A total of 420 made it through to the final exhibition.

Held at the Ulster Museum from 19th October to 6th January, the exhibition remains one of the highlights of the Northern Ireland arts calendar, attracting over 85,000 visitors in 2017.

President of the RUA Betty Brown said:

“The exhibition is the highlight of the RUA’s year and it is great to see so many high quality entries once again. We are blessed in Northern Ireland with a wealth of visual artists from across the spectrum who aren’t afraid to show their own personalities in their work.

“Thanks must go again to KPMG who have been a stalwart partner to the RUA and who have made sure the visual arts are shining bright in this part of the world.”

Over £7,000 in prize money will be awarded to exhibiting artists of merit.

This year the independent adjudicator is James Hanley, a renowned painter as well as being Keeper of the RHA.

The adjudicator will select recipients of the Academy’s gold, silver and bronze medal prizes. All other prizes will be awarded by the prize sponsors.  The winner of the KPMG Young Artist of the Year is Emma Spence.