The George Craig Group has won a commendation from the Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts in Scotland (ABSA Scotland) for its sponsorship of music at the University of Aberdeen.
Nominated for the competition by the University, the George Craig Group - which provides a wide range of marine service as well as products for the oil and gas industry - scored its success in the ‘First Time Sponsorship’ category for ‘outstanding and imaginative sponsorship of an arts organisation or event by a first-time sponsor.’ 370 nominations were considered for the eight categories.
Sponsorship by the George Craig Group enabled University Music to attract high calibre international soloists to a concert in the Mitchell Hall and brought internationally renowned brass ensemble, The Wallace Collection to the city for a weekend residency. The Wallace Collection played a free lunchtime recital, visited a local rural school, ran a workshop for local musicians as well as performing a highly successful concert recital in the Mitchell Hall.
Representatives from the University attended the eleventh annual ABSA awards ceremony in the Edinburgh Festival Theatre last night [Thursday 14 May]. Dr Graeme Roberts, Vice Principal, accepted the award on behalf of the George Craig Group from Scottish Television presenter Viv Lumsden.
Roger Williams, Director of University Music said:
“We’re delighted the generous support of the George Craig Group has been recognised by ABSA. Their sponsorship will ensure there are on-going opportunities to develop local talent, interest and enthusiasm by facilitating appearances by performers and touring companies of international renown who will not only perform but will train, stimulate and entertain both existing enthusiasts and potential new audiences for classical music.”
Douglas Craig, Managing Director of the George Craig Group said:
I am delighted that our company’s support of University Music has been recognised in this way. The ABSA awards are highly prestigious and considered to be one of Scotland’s premier arts event. I am doubly pleased since we have won in the face of such stiff competition. We are continuing our support of University Music and look forward to developing our most harmonious relationship.”
The ABSA Scottish Awards were devised to encourage and acknowledge exemplary sponsorship of the arts by business.