On The Town: Was it like speed-dating? Not exactly, but all were hoping for matches to be made in heaven at the fourth annual Business2Arts Showcase.
The chance to pitch to businesses for sponsorship was realised by eight arts organisations in Dublin this week. The event was organised and co-ordinated by Business2Arts, which promotes and encourages partnerships between business and the arts.
"Today is very important because there are so many companies represented here who are constantly looking for sponsorship opportunities and then arts groups are looking for sponsorship in the broadest sense," said John Hickey, chairman of Business2Arts and general manager of retail banking in AIB. "This provides both with a venue and an opportunity to connect."
"The whole idea is to present to a business audience," said Siobhan Broughan, chief executive of Business2Arts.
Nicola Moore, director of development with Opera Ireland, addressed the gathering and spoke about the benefits of nights at the opera before tenor Joe Roche and soprano Sandra Oman sang The Love Duet from La Bohème.
Jim Culleton, of Fishamble Theatre Co, promised businesses an association that will "certainly create a very sharp focus on your company's creativity and innovation". Then actor Eamon Owens took centre stage to perform an example of the company's work with an excerpt from Tadhg Strae Wandered In by Michael Collins. Owens is currently working with Neil Jordan on Breakfast on Pluto and had come off an all-night shoot in Belfast to perform.
Clare McNamara, of the National Museum, Collins Barracks, presented possibly the most impressive guest who might convince the business community to support the magic of this former barracks. Puppeteer Eugene Lambert introduced his faithful old companion, Judge. And no-one had forgotten him, even though Wanderly Wagon has been off the air since 1982, and afterwards all agreed the bashful dog was as lovable as ever.