Both case studies are winners from the 32nd Arts& Business Awards (2010) which were created to mark outstanding examples of philanthropy partnerships between culture and commerce.

Case study 1 - Winner of Jaguar Land Rover A&B Community & Young People Award: Sheffield engineering firm Ekspan and The Open Door Theatre Company.

The opportunity

A remarkable Sheffield partnership between engineering firm Ekspan and the Open Door Theatre Company (ODTC) dramatically demonstrates the positive outcomes achieved when the best of business “know-how” and artistic creativity combine.

Ekspan transformed a 15,000 square foot factory to host a production of George Orwell’s ‘1984’ staged by the ODTC. The use of this unique space plus critical project management support supplied by Ekspan ensured the play was a resounding success; and gave birth to a permanent community hub benefiting local people – the Brightside Project.

The impact

The project enabled Ekspan to profile its business and services in situ, generating invaluable publicity in addition to networking opportunities with a wide range of new contacts. Stronger relationships forged with customers and suppliers involved in the project improved Ekspan’s ability to support its clients’ needs.

Staff engagement in the project enhanced employee cohesion and teamwork, leaving a lasting blueprint ripe for further consolidation. Staff participated in every aspect of the project - from building the stage set, acting, security and bar-tending to marketing and producing design, press and publicity materials.

The partnership also enabled ODTC to fully realise its artistic remit – bringing innovative, thought-provoking, high quality theatre to communities where such opportunities are limited.

The Brightside Project is now a fully licensed arts venue hosting a wide range of community projects which involve young people, showcase local talent and reach the seldom heard.

Image courtesy Ekpan & Open Door Theatre.
Photograph by Andrew Chapman.

Case study 2 - Winner of Lloyd’s Business Innovation Award: Travelex and National Theatre

The opportunity

Last year, Travelex, long-time sponsors of National Theatre came on board as partners for NT Live – an ambitious project to broadcast theatre live (or as-live) from the stage in London to over 300 cinemas in the UK and around the world including New York, Toronto, Johannesburg and Sydney.

In the true spirit of partnership, Travelex also handled the international payments associated with this scheme, by receiving and exchanging box office revenue from around the world.

With Travelex’s investment, the ticket price could be kept to £10. This was consistent with Travelex’s long-standing association with the Travelex £10 Season.

The impact

The use of technology has grown the audience and customer base for both partners - more than 150,000 people have seen NT Live internationally; 100,000 internationally and 50,000 in the UK. Travelex was able to develop business in its most important global business centres. With trailers running up to and before each NT Live screening, Travelex was able to confirm its position as a truly global operator in the hubs of South Africa, Australia, US and UK. Client hospitality helped develop key relationships with approximately 500 partners and secured new business with a combined turnover of over £20m.