Ulster University has been recognised as an Arts Champion by Arts & Business NI for its commitment to arts, culture, education and professional development through strategic partnerships with leading cultural organisations.
The University was presented with the recognition at an Arts & Business NI breakfast hosted at its Belfast campus on Tuesday 22 September, joining 11 other organisations from across Northern Ireland named as Arts Champions for 2026.
Why has Ulster University been recognised as an Arts Champion?
The Arts Champion Award celebrates businesses and organisations that have demonstrated sustained commitment to the arts and highlights the difference meaningful partnerships between business and culture can make to communities.
Professor Gillian Armstrong MBE, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School, said:
“Ulster University is delighted to be recognised as an Arts Champion and long term member of Arts and Business NI. Arts and culture make an important contribution to the social, cultural and economic life of Northern Ireland, and this recognition reflects our commitment to working in partnership with organisations across the sector.
"From welcoming around 1,100 participants to the TradFest Summer School to opening our Belfast campus as a core host venue for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, these partnerships create opportunities to bring people together, share skills and knowledge, and connect our students and wider communities with arts and culture.
“We look forward to continuing to build partnerships that support our creative, cultural and business sectors, whilst continuing to enhance the attractiveness of Northern Ireland for all stakeholders.”
Arts & Business NI recognises 12 Arts Champions for 2026
Commenting on the Arts Champion awards, Brona Whittaker, CEO of Arts & Business NI, said:
“We have an amazing business community here in Northern Ireland and, over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with hundreds of businesses who proudly support arts and culture. People increasingly want to know what a business stands for, what it values and how it contributes to the communities around it.
“Our twelve Arts Champion businesses, each bring something different to the table, from legal firms volunteering their time and expertise to support the boards of local arts organisations, to transport providers embedding community-led art into public infrastructure. The breadth of these partnerships is inspiring, but what they all share is a belief that investing in arts and culture creates opportunities and helps to shape a better Northern Ireland for us all.”
Ulster University was recognised alongside A&L Goodbody, Alchemy Technology Services, Bank of Ireland, Belfast Harbour, Cathedral Quarter BID, Dale Farm, HM Chartered Accountants, KPMG, Millar McCall Wylie, Translink and Ulster Carpets.
The awards come as Arts & Business NI looks ahead to its 40th anniversary in 2027, marking four decades of supporting partnerships between businesses and the arts and cultural sector across Northern Ireland.
