The 28th Annual Arts & Business Awards gala ceremony was held at the (BP-sponsored) Barbican Centre in London on Monday April 3rd 2006. It consisted of free drinks, schmoozing, mutual pat-on-the-backs concerning the 21st Century snake oil that is 'Corporate Social Responsibility', followed by an vain attempt to raise the tone with a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO).
Unfortunately for them, it also consisted of a visit by the Greenwash Guerillas and various other scallywags from London Rising Tide (LRT), who distributed a leaflet claiming that members of the LSO and its conductor, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, had refused to perform at an event at which BP was sponsoring an award for 'Arts, Business & Sustainability'.
One LRTer was dragged out by City of London police early on after making an announcement to the great and the good about the cancellation to the gladragged assembled.
Later, as BP head of Arts and Culture Des Violaris was preparing to give out its blood-soaked trophy, two more LRTers burst onto the stage declaring that the whole event was bullshit. BP's security head honcho had a mobile glued to his ear for the rest of the evening - one more embarrassing security lapse to have to report to head office.
A contingent of Greenwash Guerillas was also present outside, in full greenwash detection and decontamination regalia, and a bright black and yellow banner declaring that 'BP sponsors climate chaos'. Many of those attending, and several members of the LSO, came out to wish us well and one also to slip us a couple of surreptitious free gin and tonics. So all in all a good night was had by the forces of counter-greenwash and climate justice.
Here's the text of the leaflet given out on the night:
TONIGHT’S PERFORMANCE OF SCHUBERT'S SYMPHONY NO. 8
We are very sorry to have to announce that tonight’s performance of Schubert's Symphony No. 8 by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, has been cancelled.
Sir John, and certain of his players, have asked for this statement to be conveyed to all those attending tonight’s ‘Arts & Business’ Gala Awards Ceremony. Although we do not share its sentiments, we reproduce it here:
Statement from Sir John Eliot Gardiner and 23 LSO members:
‘Franz Schubert wrote that “When I wished to sing of love, it turned to sorrow. And when I wished to sing of sorrow, it was transformed for me into love.” This is how we feel about the devastating effects of climate change on our planet, about which we are deeply alarmed. For us, music such as that of Schubert provides a blessed respite from – as well as window into - the human condition. It is an enormous privilege for us to be able to share our passion for it with audiences throughout the world, and particularly here at the Barbican.
However, when it was brought to our attention that this year BP is sponsoring the Arts, Business & Sustainability Award, we realised that we could not lend our names, and our music, to such an event. BP is engaged in the production and sale of a product that, as well as triggering appalling and unnecessary wars like that currently being waged in Iraq, threatens countless species, including our own, with extinction.
This, to us, is the antithesis of sustainability. We can only apologise for the inconvenience this action is sure to cause, and we beg your forgiveness for it. We felt we had no choice. Thank you.’
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The Barbican is deeply sorry about this state of affairs, and wishes to reaffirm that its ongoing partnership with BP is not under review at this time. Barbican management sincerely hopes that you avail yourself tonight of complimentary drinks at any of our various bars. (This offer is available to all those bearing Arts & Business Awards invitations.)
-----------------
And here, if you can stomach it, is their spiel advertising the event in advance; (note the deeply symbolic inability to spell the word 'sustainability'. Note also that Arts & Business receives taxpayers' money to carry out its nefarious activities..):
BP TO SPONSOR ARTS, BUSINESS & SUSTAINABLIILTY (sic) AWARD
Arts & Business, the national charity dedicated to encouraging new arts and business relationships, is pleased to announce that BP are sponsoring the BP Arts, Business & Sustainability Award at the 28th National Awards.
The BP Arts, Business & Sustainability Award is in recognition of a successful business and arts partnership that has been sustained over time to the maximum benefit of both. The winning business will have been involved with its arts partner for a minimum of three years and will have demonstrated how the partnership has developed over time to the mutual benefit of both partners.
Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive of Arts & Business comments: "At Arts & Business we know the importance of thanking our sponsors and I am delighted that BP is joining us to celebrate the very best in arts and business partnerships. It is so important to recognise and honour the very best partnerships and continue to share stories and best practice of how partnerships can develop over time."
Des Violaris, Director UK Arts & Culture, BP said: "BP is delighted to be supporting the 28th Arts & Business Awards. BP recognises that the arts are important ingredients in the quality of life for each and every person within the UK. We are pleased to be associated with the very best partnerships that the Arts & Business Awards celebrate. Only by rewarding the successful examples can we encourage new partnerships to prosper, which will benefit businesses, the arts, the communities and future generations."
The awards will be announced on April 3rd 2006 at a special event for 2,000 guests at The Barbican Centre in London. As well as the presentations of the Arts & Business Awards, key names from the business and arts worlds will listen to The London Symphony Orchestra play Schubert's Symphony No. 8, conducted by John Eliot Gardiner.
~Ends~
For more detailed information on the awards please visit our web site www.AandB.org.uk or contact Rachel Balfour, Media Manager, Arts & Business on 020 7940 6692.
For Further information about BP please contact David Nicholas, Press Officer on 0207 496 4708
Confirmed Media Sponsors - Management Today and Classic FM
28th Arts & Business Awards Categories
Unilever Arts, Business & Brand Identity Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership that has demonstrated maximum impact on a business's brand values and reputation objectives.
BP, Arts, Business & Sustainability Award: In recognition of a successful business/arts partnership that has been sustained over time to the maximum benefit of both.
Royal Bank of Scotland Arts, Business & Community Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership that has successfully stimulated community cohesion and regeneration through engagement with the arts.
EDF Energy Arts & Kids Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership that has successfully exploited the positive power of the arts to the benefit of children and/or young people
Arts, Business & Diversity Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership or project that has successfully used the arts to explore diversity.
Arts, Business & Employees Award: In recognition of a successful employee development programme using arts engagement and/or arts interventions to the benefit of the employees.
Ogilvy Group Arts, Business & Creativity Award: In recognition of an outstanding business/arts partnership that has used the arts to make a business more creative.
Gordon's Gin Arts & Business Individual of the Year Award: Presented to a business volunteer (through either the A&B Skills Bank, Board Bank or Mentoring programme) in recognition of outstanding individual achievement to positively benefit an arts organisation or individual.
The British Council Arts & Business International Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership that has successfully promoted international understanding through the arts.
Notes to Editors:
* Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive of Arts & Business is available for interview
* Arts & Business aspires to be the world's most successful & widespread creative network. We help business people support the arts & the arts inspire business people, because good business & great art together create a richer society
* Arts & Business believes that the arts offer a unique, creative and proven means for businesses to achieve their individual, corporate and community goals
• BP has been a sustained supporter of the arts in the UK since the middle 1980's.
• The current arts programme is focused on long term partnerships with the British Museum; National Portrait Gallery; Royal Opera House and Tate Britain.
• Over 1.5 million people attended BP supported events in 2004.
One LRTer was dragged out by City of London police early on after making an announcement to the great and the good about the cancellation to the gladragged assembled.
Later, as BP head of Arts and Culture Des Violaris was preparing to give out its blood-soaked trophy, two more LRTers burst onto the stage declaring that the whole event was bullshit. BP's security head honcho had a mobile glued to his ear for the rest of the evening - one more embarrassing security lapse to have to report to head office.
A contingent of Greenwash Guerillas was also present outside, in full greenwash detection and decontamination regalia, and a bright black and yellow banner declaring that 'BP sponsors climate chaos'. Many of those attending, and several members of the LSO, came out to wish us well and one also to slip us a couple of surreptitious free gin and tonics. So all in all a good night was had by the forces of counter-greenwash and climate justice.
Here's the text of the leaflet given out on the night:
TONIGHT’S PERFORMANCE OF SCHUBERT'S SYMPHONY NO. 8
We are very sorry to have to announce that tonight’s performance of Schubert's Symphony No. 8 by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, has been cancelled.
Sir John, and certain of his players, have asked for this statement to be conveyed to all those attending tonight’s ‘Arts & Business’ Gala Awards Ceremony. Although we do not share its sentiments, we reproduce it here:
Statement from Sir John Eliot Gardiner and 23 LSO members:
‘Franz Schubert wrote that “When I wished to sing of love, it turned to sorrow. And when I wished to sing of sorrow, it was transformed for me into love.” This is how we feel about the devastating effects of climate change on our planet, about which we are deeply alarmed. For us, music such as that of Schubert provides a blessed respite from – as well as window into - the human condition. It is an enormous privilege for us to be able to share our passion for it with audiences throughout the world, and particularly here at the Barbican.
However, when it was brought to our attention that this year BP is sponsoring the Arts, Business & Sustainability Award, we realised that we could not lend our names, and our music, to such an event. BP is engaged in the production and sale of a product that, as well as triggering appalling and unnecessary wars like that currently being waged in Iraq, threatens countless species, including our own, with extinction.
This, to us, is the antithesis of sustainability. We can only apologise for the inconvenience this action is sure to cause, and we beg your forgiveness for it. We felt we had no choice. Thank you.’
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Barbican is deeply sorry about this state of affairs, and wishes to reaffirm that its ongoing partnership with BP is not under review at this time. Barbican management sincerely hopes that you avail yourself tonight of complimentary drinks at any of our various bars. (This offer is available to all those bearing Arts & Business Awards invitations.)
-----------------
And here, if you can stomach it, is their spiel advertising the event in advance; (note the deeply symbolic inability to spell the word 'sustainability'. Note also that Arts & Business receives taxpayers' money to carry out its nefarious activities..):
BP TO SPONSOR ARTS, BUSINESS & SUSTAINABLIILTY (sic) AWARD
Arts & Business, the national charity dedicated to encouraging new arts and business relationships, is pleased to announce that BP are sponsoring the BP Arts, Business & Sustainability Award at the 28th National Awards.
The BP Arts, Business & Sustainability Award is in recognition of a successful business and arts partnership that has been sustained over time to the maximum benefit of both. The winning business will have been involved with its arts partner for a minimum of three years and will have demonstrated how the partnership has developed over time to the mutual benefit of both partners.
Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive of Arts & Business comments: "At Arts & Business we know the importance of thanking our sponsors and I am delighted that BP is joining us to celebrate the very best in arts and business partnerships. It is so important to recognise and honour the very best partnerships and continue to share stories and best practice of how partnerships can develop over time."
Des Violaris, Director UK Arts & Culture, BP said: "BP is delighted to be supporting the 28th Arts & Business Awards. BP recognises that the arts are important ingredients in the quality of life for each and every person within the UK. We are pleased to be associated with the very best partnerships that the Arts & Business Awards celebrate. Only by rewarding the successful examples can we encourage new partnerships to prosper, which will benefit businesses, the arts, the communities and future generations."
The awards will be announced on April 3rd 2006 at a special event for 2,000 guests at The Barbican Centre in London. As well as the presentations of the Arts & Business Awards, key names from the business and arts worlds will listen to The London Symphony Orchestra play Schubert's Symphony No. 8, conducted by John Eliot Gardiner.
~Ends~
For more detailed information on the awards please visit our web site www.AandB.org.uk or contact Rachel Balfour, Media Manager, Arts & Business on 020 7940 6692.
For Further information about BP please contact David Nicholas, Press Officer on 0207 496 4708
Confirmed Media Sponsors - Management Today and Classic FM
28th Arts & Business Awards Categories
Unilever Arts, Business & Brand Identity Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership that has demonstrated maximum impact on a business's brand values and reputation objectives.
BP, Arts, Business & Sustainability Award: In recognition of a successful business/arts partnership that has been sustained over time to the maximum benefit of both.
Royal Bank of Scotland Arts, Business & Community Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership that has successfully stimulated community cohesion and regeneration through engagement with the arts.
EDF Energy Arts & Kids Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership that has successfully exploited the positive power of the arts to the benefit of children and/or young people
Arts, Business & Diversity Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership or project that has successfully used the arts to explore diversity.
Arts, Business & Employees Award: In recognition of a successful employee development programme using arts engagement and/or arts interventions to the benefit of the employees.
Ogilvy Group Arts, Business & Creativity Award: In recognition of an outstanding business/arts partnership that has used the arts to make a business more creative.
Gordon's Gin Arts & Business Individual of the Year Award: Presented to a business volunteer (through either the A&B Skills Bank, Board Bank or Mentoring programme) in recognition of outstanding individual achievement to positively benefit an arts organisation or individual.
The British Council Arts & Business International Award: In recognition of a business/arts partnership that has successfully promoted international understanding through the arts.
Notes to Editors:
* Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive of Arts & Business is available for interview
* Arts & Business aspires to be the world's most successful & widespread creative network. We help business people support the arts & the arts inspire business people, because good business & great art together create a richer society
* Arts & Business believes that the arts offer a unique, creative and proven means for businesses to achieve their individual, corporate and community goals
• BP has been a sustained supporter of the arts in the UK since the middle 1980's.
• The current arts programme is focused on long term partnerships with the British Museum; National Portrait Gallery; Royal Opera House and Tate Britain.
• Over 1.5 million people attended BP supported events in 2004.
