The Bruntwood Awards for Arts & Business North has extended the submission deadline for its annual award ceremony to 14th January 2010.

The awards ceremony, which will be held at Manchester Town Hall on 23rd March 2011, celebrates the best partnerships between business and arts organisations throughout the year.

The Awards comprise six categories embracing the innovation and variety of arts-business projects throughout the region. Categories include: Young People Award, Cultural Branding Award sponsored by Potts Print (UK), Sustained Partnership Award, sponsored by HFL Building Solutions, People Development Award, Environmental Partnership Award, sponsored by Bruntwood and Arup, and finally one board member will be recognised for their outstanding contribution to an arts organisation throughout the year.

On the Awards, Michael Oglesby, Chairman of Bruntwood, main sponsor of the awards, said: “In these challenging times, business support of the arts is more important than ever. Such collaborations add vibrancy to cities and stimulate creativity. Supporting the arts has always been part of our philosophy, coming alive through projects such as The Bruntwood Playwriting Competition with The Royal Exchange Theatre.  Through The Bruntwood Awards for Arts & Business North, we want to recognise other successful collaborations, encourage bold and innovative partnerships and celebrate the world class culture we have in our region”.

Brenda Parkerson, director of Arts & Business North, added: “"We are delighted to be teaming up with Bruntwood in our celebration of inspiring partnerships between culture and commerce across the North of England. The Bruntwood Awards for Arts & Business set the standards for arts and business partnerships in the North West, Yorkshire/Humber, and the North East and provide a platform for the recognition they deserve.

“This year we also have the great honour of celebrating the Lever Prize in collaboration with the North West Business Leadership Team.

“Arts and business partnerships encourage creativity, advance innovation and add value in surprising and remarkable ways, and the ceremony at Manchester Town Hall is a great opportunity to get inspired and meet like-minded in business and the arts."

For further information on how to apply, click here