On winning the award, Arthur O'Brien (a Partner at KPMG in Belfast) commented: 'KPMG's sponsorship of the RUA's Annual Exhibition allowed us to apply for some funding from the Arts and Business NI Investment Programme to help develop a project that would benefit both the business and arts organisation. We wanted to give schools that we already work with on other CSR initiatives the opportunity to participate in an innovative and exciting arts project. Feedback on all aspects of the project has been extremely positive and to win this award is the icing on the cake'.
Almost 100 ten and eleven year olds from four primary schools in Belfast took part in this project, titled 'One Day in the Life of ... '. The children participated in a series of workshops given by artists who are both skilled educators and members of the RUA. Every child was then given a camera and asked to take photos of their everyday lives – the places and people they call home.
The films were developed and each child's best photo was chosen, then developed to A4 size, framed and hung in gallery space at the RUA's premises in Belfast city centre. Internationally renowned photographer, Paul Seawright, also chose a winning picture from each school. The children were invited to attend the official opening of the exhibition which ran from 6 – 20 June 2012.
L-R: Paul McCann (Allianz), Arthur O'Brien (Partner, KPMG), Joanne Stuart (Chair, Arts & Business NI), Colin Davidson (President, RUA), Mary Trainor-Nagele (Chief Executive, Arts & Business NI); Bob Collins (Chairman, Arts Council of Northern Ireland) pictured at the Allianz Arts & Business NI Awards 2013.