Galway’s biggest annual business event, the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, celebrated culture and creativity again this year as part of its celebration of business in Galway.
Last year, Galway Culture Company established the Culture and Creativity Award to recognise and highlight the value and appreciation of culture in Galway and the arts sector’s contributions to economic, social and tourism development across the city. This is the first and only Chamber Award for Culture and Creativity in Ireland. This year’s winner was Baboró International Arts Festival for Children.
Speaking about the award, Kenny Deery, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said,
“What is lost by many is the critical role that culture plays as a driver of business. In Galway, we know the vibrant cultural organisations that make up the fabric of our communities. They play a key role in attracting inward investments, attracting and retaining talent, stimulating growth and the R&D capacity of our enterprises, making Galway stand apart from other European cities. This award, in partnership with the Galway Culture Company recognises that and places culture at the heart of business and industry”.
Baboró was also named “Overall Business of the Year” at the Galway Chamber Business Awards 2023, in association with the Shannon Airport Group. They were recognised for their amazing work in Galway.
Marilyn Reddan on behalf of the Galway Culture Company stated that, “The Galway Chamber Awards stand as a distinguished platform to bestow recognition upon companies for their extraordinary achievements, exceptional talent, and pioneering innovations. Last year, Galway Culture Company and the Galway Chamber of Commerce established the Culture and Creativity Award to recognise and highlight the value and appreciation of culture in Galway and the arts sector’s contributions to economic, social and tourism development across the city.
This award is open to organisations who contribute to the cultural landscape through the creation and promotion of art and culture, to those who support the livelihoods of artists and to those who encompass what is good and great about our Galway and our cultural global reputation”.
The winner of the President’s Award was JP MacMahon, owner and culinary director of Michelin-starred restaurant Aniar.
Speaking about the awards, Eveanna Ryan, President of Galway Chamber said, “The Galway Chamber Awards were a testament to the innovation, dedication, and hard work of Galway’s business leaders. We celebrated not only success but also the shared commitment to driving economic growth and creating a vibrant business environment in our region.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving winners and nominees. Each of you has played a vital role in shaping the economic landscape of Galway, and your contributions do not go unnoticed.”
