Connected Hubs, the Western Development Commission (WDC) and the Contemporary Irish Art Society (CIAS) are celebrating after Art in the Hubs won the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Award at the 2026 Business to Arts Awards.
The award, presented at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, is a special milestone for the partnership. Art in the Hubs has been shortlisted for a Business to Arts Award for four consecutive years, with 2026 marking our first win.
What began as a pilot in 2023 has grown into a nationwide programme involving 40 Connected Hubs across Ireland, bringing contemporary Irish art into workplaces and communities and creating new opportunities for people to encounter art in their everyday lives.
This is wonderful recognition for the 40 participating hubs, our partners and everyone who has helped Art in the Hubs grow. After four consecutive years of being shortlisted, it is particularly special to win this year. The programme demonstrates that art has a real place in our working lives and can change how people experience the spaces where they work and connect. I’d also like to acknowledge Liam Horan from our Connected Hubs team, who has championed the initiative from the outset and worked closely with CIAS to help it develop into a national programme.
Teresa Hooks, Head of Connected and Digital Innovation, WDC
The partnership with CIAS has been central to Art in the Hubs, bringing its expertise, enthusiasm and collection of contemporary Irish art into the Connected Hubs network.
Mary Pavlides, Chair of CIAS, said: “We are thrilled to see Art in the Hubs receive this recognition. From the beginning, our ambition has been to bring contemporary Irish art into everyday settings and introduce it to new audiences. The enthusiasm of the participating hubs has helped make that ambition a reality, while creating greater visibility and opportunities for Irish artists.
“We also greatly appreciate the support of the programme’s sponsors, BDO, .ie – Ireland’s domain registry, and Midland Steel, whose backing has helped Art in the Hubs continue to develop.”
Our congratulations and commiserations go to our fellow finalists, Fitzgerald Power and The Walls Project – Signs of Power, and CJK and Five Lamps Arts Festival – Christmas Song Contest. Both are excellent examples of the contribution creativity can make to workplaces and communities.
The award belongs to the hubs, artists, partners and supporters who have helped turn Art in the Hubs from a pilot project into a nationwide initiative.
What is Art in the Hubs?
Art in the Hubs is a nationwide programme bringing contemporary Irish art into Connected Hubs across Ireland. What began as a pilot in 2023 has grown to involve 40 Connected Hubs, creating new opportunities for workers, entrepreneurs and community members to encounter art in the spaces where they work and connect.
Who runs Art in the Hubs?
Art in the Hubs is a partnership between Connected Hubs, the Western Development Commission (WDC) and the Contemporary Irish Art Society (CIAS). CIAS brings its expertise and collection of contemporary Irish art into the Connected Hubs network.
What is the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Award?
The CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Award is one of the awards presented annually at the Business to Arts Awards, which recognise outstanding partnerships between the business and arts sectors in Ireland. The 2026 award was presented at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.
How long has Art in the Hubs been running?
Art in the Hubs launched as a pilot in 2023 and has grown steadily since. The programme has been shortlisted for a Business to Arts Award for four consecutive years, with 2026 marking its first win.
How many hubs are involved in the programme?
40 Connected Hubs across Ireland are currently participating in Art in the Hubs.
Who sponsors Art in the Hubs?
The programme is supported by sponsors BDO, .ie (Ireland’s domain registry) and Midland Steel.
What is the Contemporary Irish Art Society?
The Contemporary Irish Art Society (CIAS) is an Irish arts organisation whose ambition is to bring contemporary Irish art into everyday settings and introduce it to new audiences. It has been a central partner in Art in the Hubs since the programme began.
What is the Business to Arts Awards?
The Business to Arts Awards recognise outstanding partnerships and creative collaborations between the business and arts sectors in Ireland. The awards are presented annually and celebrate the contribution creativity makes to workplaces and communities.
Can my hub get involved in Art in the Hubs?
For information about participating in Art in the Hubs, contact Connected Hubs at info@connectedhubs.ie.
