Our Services

Our Impact

Case Studies

Building Stronger Boards – Fighting Words NI

“As a young charity with a swiftly expanding staff team, Fighting Words NI needed to put in place good management systems and provide supportive guides to employment for our staff team. The expertise of an HR professional was exactly what we needed. We couldn’t have asked for more in a new Board Member in Bethany O’Neill: she brought professional knowledge that ensured we could satisfy the legal requirements as an employer and ensure compliance within our team, as well as provide support and guidance in her role as a trustee for me in a Chief Executive role.

Since Bethany joined the FWNI Board, she has helped us put in place contractual and HR supports that help us set out the direction of growth for our organisation that aligns with our vision, and outlines the kind of employer we want to be. We are very grateful to Arts & Business NI for introducing Bethany to us via their Young Leader on Arts Boards programme.”

— Hilary Copeland, Director Fighting Words NI

Our Impact

Case Studies

Membership That Matters 

“KPMG is a keen advocate for the arts sector in Northern Ireland and are long-term members of Arts & Business NI. A&B NI have taken the time to get to know our business priorities and interests and are very good at identifying potential partnership opportunities. Our membership has also provided additional opportunities for staff to participate in ‘Leaders on Arts Boards’ as well as attending high quality events and seminars.”

— Associate Director, KPMG

Our Impact

Case Studies

A Partnership That’s Creating Opportunities for Young People

Belfast City Airport partnered with Cinemagic (a youth film charity) to run the IGNITE youth leadership programme. Over the five years, through this arts mentoring initiative, over 100 young people have developed film-making and leadership skills, gaining confidence and exposure to creative industries. In 2024, students undertook a once-in-a-lifetime trip to LA to engage and learn from major players within the media industry. Throughout the week, teenagers from 12 schools and colleges in Northern Ireland and Los Angeles engaged in exclusive talks, along with tours and masterclasses at top film and TV studios. For the airport, the project reinforces its community engagement and brand values.

“IGNITE forms an integral part of Belfast City Airport’s community engagement efforts. When IGNITE was first launched, our goal was to offer life changing opportunities to 100 young people throughout a five year period, and it is fantastic that we have been able to surpass this initial aim to successfully support 120 young people from 2019 to 2024, equipping them with essential skills, knowledge, and experiences to emerge as future leaders in their communities.”
Michelle Hatfield, Chief People & Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport

— Belfast City Airport and Cinemagic, supported by Investment Programme

Our Impact

Case Studies

A Partnership That Transforms Spaces

Translink (NI’s public transport provider) collaborated with Seedhead Arts (a creative social enterprise) to transform the formerly derelict urban underpass at York Street in North Belfast. Fifteen local street artists were commissioned to create vibrant murals. In August 2024, Translink announced a transformative Street Art Jam, the first collaboration between Translink, Seedhead Arts, and A&BNI, to revitalise the space. The artistic vision for the underpass included murals by street artists from across Northern Ireland, divided into ‘City’ and ‘Country’ themes, celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities connected by public transport.

“This project is about more than just beautifying the space—it’s about creating connections. By involving street artists from across the country who deeply understand and respect graffiti culture, and by consulting with the local community, we’re crafting a mural that transforms the underpass into a safe and welcoming wayfare. The street art will enhance the space and foster a sense of pride and connectedness, ensuring it remains a lasting, positive fixture in the community while naturally deterring vandalism.’’ Adam Turkington, Seedhead Arts

— Translink and Seedhead Arts, supported by Investment Programme

Our Impact

Case Studies

An Award Winning Partnership Building Workplace Culture

Alchemy Technology Services partnered with The Playhouse Theatre to create The Art of Communication – a bespoke programme designed to strengthen staff confidence, communication, and listening skills.

As the company grew, Alchemy identified a need to support employees in areas such as presentations, client meetings, demos, and team communication. Delivered within the creative environment of The Playhouse Theatre, the programme encouraged participants to step outside their day-to-day routines, connect across teams, and build confidence through creative practice.

The programme helped employees feel more confident communicating with clients and colleagues, more comfortable contributing ideas, and better equipped to collaborate across teams. It also reinforced Alchemy’s positive and people-focused workplace culture.

“Working with The Playhouse has allowed our people to explore and tap into their authentic selves. The feedback from our team has been extremely positive. They not only found what they learned useful in their work, but equally valuable in their daily lives.”

— Alchemy Technology Services & The Playhouse Theatre, supported by A&BNI Investment Programme

Our Impact

Case Studies

Building Stronger Boards – Terra Nova

“Terra Nova has been matched with two Board members through Arts & Business NI’s board matching programme and the experience has been uniformly positive for us. We can be a nuanced fit, as our intercultural mission requires Board members who are ready and have the lived-experience to really engage with diversity, equity and interculturalism in the context of excellence in the arts, and engagement with global artists. Our current Chair Ben Harrison stepped in as chair with only a year’s experience of the company and has seen Terra Nova and our Artistic Director through a period of bereavement, stress, and change, steering us towards opportunity. Joseph Morrison, a very new Board member has hit the ground running bringing all aspects of his legal experience to bear to support the company, and his passionate commitment to arts as a vital part of our society.”

— Andrea Montgomery, Artistic Director, Terra Nova

Our Impact

Case Studies

“Support from the Arts & Business NI board matching programme has been so helpful to Oh Yeah. Our needs for a HR professional as well as someone with the deep knowledge and skills around charity structure governance were perfectly met by the additions of Sara Henry and Tara Craig. Both have strengthened the skill set of our excellent board of trustees. As Chief Executive I feel more confident on a range of issues with their support and guidance.”

— Charlotte Dryden, CEO, Oh Yeah Music Centre