Arts Care’s social enterprise division was awarded Best New Start-Up at the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2024, recognising its efforts to broaden the reach of arts in health services across various sectors.
Sponsored by Ulster Bank, the award was presented during a ceremony at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza on 8 November, which brought together nearly 600 guests from social enterprise, public, and private sectors.
Arts Care Chief Executive Barry Macaulay, who attended the event with his team, said he was proud of the social enterprise’s progress since its launch in 2023: “This award is a great acknowledgement for our fledgling social enterprise business.
“The team at Arts Care have worked hard to build our social enterprise alongside the charity, and I’m proud of our achievements to date.
“We look forward to continuing to deliver great quality arts in health and work with our corporate partners to deliver their social value initiatives.”
The Social Enterprise Awards, hosted by Social Enterprise NI in collaboration with Go Succeed and the Department for the Economy, celebrate outstanding contributions from social enterprises across Northern Ireland.
The evening featured awards across 18 categories, showcasing organisations that are impacting communities, promoting inclusivity, and advancing sustainability.
Other winners included Downpatrick and County Down Railway Association and The Workspace Group, who took the Social Enterprise of the Year awards for their contributions to the local economy.
Colin Jess, CEO of Social Enterprise NI said: “Once again, the Social Enterprise NI Awards has delivered an evening profiling the best of what the social enterprise sector in NI can offer.
“The quality of entries this year has continued to impress with almost 600 guests enjoying an evening of networking and celebration of the individuals and organisations who continue to go the extra mile in delivering and supporting those at most need in our society through their business ethos of delivering real profit with purpose.
“It was truly inspirational to witness the impact that all finalists make daily in society and their input to the wider NI economy. The Awards also generate increased awareness of the work of the social economy, and we are delighted that our recently launched Directory now makes it easier to contact these organisations, so what not find out for yourself and get in touch.
“Well done to all winners and shortlisted organisations. I would also like to thank all our sponsors, without whom the evening would not be possible.”
Economy Minister Conor Murphy added: “I’m a great believer in the power of social enterprise.
“These awards recognise and celebrate the transformative impact of social enterprise, and I congratulate all the award winners, and everyone involved.
“I want to continue to build the strength of social enterprises here which is why my Department is working with people from the sector to co-design an action plan for the future.”
