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 its 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.
Teresa Hooks, Head of Connected and Digital Innovation at the Western Development Commission, said: “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.
“This 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.”
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.”
Connected Hubs is a central driver of the Irish National Hub Network, a Government of Ireland initiative under Our Rural Future. The Connected Hubs programme is managed by the Western Development Commission in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. See www.connectedhubs.ie