The Leeds branch of wealth management firm Brewin Dolphin has announced it will be continuing as a Corporate Sponsor of Opera North for a further 12 months as both companies champion the value of building close relationships between the arts and business communities in the city.
Brewin Dolphin has supported Opera North and its initiatives for over 15 years. During this period of collaboration, the two organisations have worked together to find creative ways to engage both their audiences and the wider community with culture and the arts. Over the past twelve months, this included a tour of Whistle Stop Opera: The Magic Flute to smaller venues across the north of England, connecting people through the magic of opera and performance after a time of limited social interaction.
Nicholas Watts, Emily Loftus and Timothy Nelson performing Whistle Stop Opera The Magic Flute © Tom Arber
Paul Martin, Divisional Director, Brewin Dolphin said:
“We remain determined to support arts in the UK, particularly with all the challenges the sector has faced since the outbreak of the pandemic, and to contribute to a brighter future for the creative community across Leeds and beyond.
“Covid-19 has made us all even more aware of the value of the arts in reducing feelings of isolation and bringing joy to people, whether online or in person, and we hope that our support will ensure that Opera North can continue its sterling work in forging connections, creating memorable experiences and making everyone’s lives culturally richer.”
The Big Family Sing at Opera North's 2021 Family Festival © Tom Arber
Taking a collaborative approach to building meaningful partnerships, Opera North works closely with its corporate partners to meet each business’s individual needs. With Brewin Dolphin, this includes using the arts to help the workforce readjust to office life after home working, bespoke performances for clients, and opportunities for staff to attend shows in both the theatre and the Howard Assembly Room. With the opening of the Howard Opera Centre, Opera North is also able to offer Brewin Dolphin the use of its meeting spaces in the heart of Leeds with the chance to share skills through creative employee workshops.
Richard Mantle, Opera North’s General Director, said:
“In everything we offer, we are keen to show how the arts can work in tandem with business. We are proud to develop our partnership with Brewin Dolphin, who have generously decided to continue to engage with our work and are delighted that the completion of our £18m redevelopment means that we are able to offer them access to our spaces in the city centre.”
Opera North aims to build increasingly strong connections with successful business leaders who value the role the arts play in making the North of England a vibrant place to live and work, and who are keen to further Yorkshire’s vast cultural, social, and economic potential.
