Association for Cultural Enterprises details Cultural Enterprises Awards finalists

The Association for Cultural Enterprises has detailed the finalists for this year’s Cultural Enterprises Awards, recognising commercial innovation and success, and best practices in environmental sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion.

A total of 42 entries have been shortlisted across 14 categories covering all areas of commercial activity, as well as the coveted Rising Star and Team of the Year awards.

Start Licensing has been recognised for their work with The Ashmolean Museum with a nomination in the Sector Support Partnership category. In addition, the Awards include one for Best Licensing Initiative. The three nominations in this category are Ocean Mats for their Ashmolean Museum rug range made from sustainable materials, The Branded Furniture Company’s English Heritage range which was launched exclusively in Barker and Stonehouse. The third nomination is for the National Trust’s partnership with footwear brand Craghoppers.

“I am very pleased that our work with The Ashmolean Museum has been recognised with this nomination,” said Ian Downes from Start Licensing.

“It has been a really enjoyable experience working with The Ashmolean team. The Museum’s motto is ‘inspiring minds since 1683’ – this resonates with me as our work with the Ashmolean has been very inspiring. We have loved getting to know the collection and finding appropriate ways to bring it alive in licensing. It has been really encouraging to see how a focussed approach to licensing can work well. Thanks to the Association for Cultural Enterprises for the nomination and recognition”.

Cultural Enterprises CEO Gordon Morrison added: “Promoting commercial best practice within the cultural sector has never been more important given the urgent need for the sector to maximise income streams and identify new sources of money making. The Cultural Enterprises Awards provide a brilliant platform to showcase commercial excellence within the cultural sector and perform an essential role in providing inspiration and ideas on maximising income streams to cultural venues across the country.”

The winners will be announced at the Awards Party at the Museum of Liverpool on March 12th.

See the full shortlist at: culturalenterprises.org.uk/awards