Make or Break project up for an award

A creative team is all business in Cork County Council.

A workplace wellbeing initiative Make or Break has been nominated for a national Business to Arts Award, in the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace Award category.

Cork County Council’s Culture and Creativity Team’s workplace wellbeing initiative was initially piloted in Cork County Council workplaces in 2023, was further developed in 2024 to become a partnership with Kerry County Council, HSE Southwest, and the Crawford Art Gallery. The programme is managed by Sample Studios, and funded by Creative Ireland through the Creative Health and Wellbeing Scheme. It has been recognised for its contribution to workplace wellbeing and creative engagement.

The Business to Arts Awards recognises and celebrates successful partnerships between business and the arts in Ireland.

Developed through Cork County Council’s Creative Ireland programme, Make or Break delivers free, artist-led creative workshops during workplace break times, supporting employee mental health in public authorities and private businesses in the Cork and Kerry region. Activities such as printmaking, clay sculpting, embroidery, and bookbinding are designed to be inclusive, relaxing, and engaging for all skill levels.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “The nomination of the Make or Break programme is an example of the power of creativity to enhance lives in practical ways. We are delighted to see this collaborative effort between Cork and Kerry County Council is being recognised nationally, and we thank all our partners and Creative Ireland for their continued support.”

The programme’s nomination highlights the growing recognition of arts-based initiatives in supporting mental health in the workplace and promoting cultural inclusion.