Almost €500,000 in funding distributed to Arthur Guinness Projects winners
In September, Guinness & Co. announced details of the winning projects in the Arthur Guinness Projects creative and cultural initiative. The Arthur Guinness Projects, which was launched in June this year, was developed to champion and celebrate people whose ideas, passion and spirit are enhancing and shaping our culture and identity.
The initiative, which has showcased an abundance of talent and creativity, has seen hundreds of project applications from across the island of Ireland, with thousands also showing their support by voting on-line.
The winning projects are:
Arts
Sport
Music
Food
Full details on the winners can be found on www.Arthur GuinnessProjects.com
Speaking at the winner’s announcement, Stephen O’ Kelly, Marketing Director, Guinness said: “Three months ago, we launched the Arthur Guinness Projects and from day one, the initiative captured the imagination of people across the island of Ireland. We have been really struck by the quality of the entries with no shortage of amazing ideas right across the four categories. Passion, flair and creative spirit were clearly evident and today, we pay special tribute to the winning projects.”
Arthur Guinness Projects applications were shortlisted by a public vote. The expert panel then deliberated at length to select the overall winning projects. Comprised of 16 experts, four within each category, the panel was spearheaded by world-renowned Irish band, The Script, who will also be performing on Arthur’s Day this Thursday, food guru, Dylan McGrath, Donegal inter-county manager and sports consultant, Jim McGuinness and celebrated Irish actor, Chris O’ Dowd.
In determining the winning projects, the expert panel evaluated the projects against the criteria of innovation, creativity, achievability, as well as cultural impact and social good. In addition to the financial support awarded by Arthur Guinness Projects, the winning projects will also receive mentoring from the expert panel over the course of the next six months and marketing support from Guinness.
The project winners will also be showcased this Arthur’s Day at the Home of Guinness, where they will take over the screens across the seven storey Guinness Storehouse in a vibrant show reel. Guinness will also collaborate with publicans and Arthur Guinness Projects applicants to transform some local pubs into creative hubs on Arthur’s Day in various locations across the island of Ireland.
Chris O’ Dowd said, “We came across so many original and creative ideas through Arthur Guinness Projects that we had a tough time whittling it down to just four in the Arts category. What I was genuinely impressed by was the scale and potential for so many of these projects. I am looking forward to sharing my experience and ultimately watch as the winners fulfill their dreams and ambitions.”
Dylan McGrath commented, “I was really inspired and impressed by the quality of the entries received. The level of innovation is what really stood out for me. The people I met are shining examples of the talent that is in Ireland and I look forward to the mentoring stage and doing whatever I can to support the projects within the food category to further develop and evolve”.
Jim McGuinness said, “I’m thrilled that some very worthy sport projects will get off the ground and expand through the support of this initiative. It was heartening to see the drive and professionalism these project owners have to succeed. What’s deep routed in all of them is the desire to implement projects that will benefit others and I think that’s where the real strength lies in Arthur Guinness Projects. “