Member Article

Python Partnership Named Best In Britain

Teesside-based Python Properties and Python Arts are celebrating after being crowned the best corporate responsibility partnership in Britain at the national Arts & Business Awards.

The incredible accolade recognises the corporate strategy of property firm Python Properties to install and run art galleries with Python Arts in four of its commercial buildings throughout the North of England and the impact on the community.

At a special award ceremony at LSO St Luke’s in London the partnership were declared the winners beating off strong competition from across Britain.

The Arts & Business Awards in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover celebrate the finest partnerships between the commercial and cultural sectors across the UK.

Through the galleries Python Arts provides creative opportunities for artists and members of the public to participate and engage in the arts through exhibitions and events.

Despite the tough economic climate the four buildings that the galleries occupy – Cargo Fleet Offices and Royal Middlehaven House in Middlesbrough, Bank Quay House in Warrington, and St George’s House in Bolton - have had roaring success of attracting office tenants. A feat Python Properties believes is due particularly to its innovative arts concept.

Martin Johnson, partner at Python Properties, said: “It’s official we are best in Britain! Winning the Arts & Business Corporate Responsibility award is a massive achievement for the whole team and really puts our fantastic work in the North on the map.

“The judges informed us, following the prize giving, how they were all bowled over by the partnership and the fantastic work Python Arts and Python Properties have done together. They were particularly impressed by how such a simple idea to incorporate art galleries within our business office premises had led to such commercial success to attract tenants, and increase community involvement and enjoyment in the arts.”

“Now with national recognition, thanks to this award, we will step up our commitment to the community even more by adding to our events, exhibitions and ensuring everyone can get involved and experience the arts.”

More than one hundred partnerships entered this year’s Arts and Business Awards, which is part of Business in the Community (BITC) - a member of The Prince’s Charities.

Phillip Spedding, Director of Arts & Business, said: “In the search for the winners of this year’s Arts & Business Awards we have come across some tremendous partnerships from across the country, and it is our job to bring these partnerships to light as a beacon for other to follow. In these difficult economic times, this year’s winners offer a blueprint of how arts, businesses and communities can work together to thrive.”

Adam Lopardo, The Sponsors Club and head of culture partnerships at the Community Foundation, said: “I’ve worked with Martin, Peter and the team at Python from the very beginning so I’m thrilled they’ve been recognised nationally for their work with the arts, beating some much bigger national institutions. They consistently punch above their weight because they are passionate believers in the benefits the arts can bring business and how that in turn benefits the local communities they work in.”

For further information about Python Properties and Python Arts please visit http://www.pythonproperties.co.uk/galleries or contact head curator Emma Kelly on 07765830386.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Morrison .