The Arts
Matheson has a long history of supporting the arts in society, including a number of artists and exhibitions.
We understand the importance of the arts as an educational asset and how different forms of art have the ability to encourage community participation and create an understanding between different parts of society.
We foster an appreciation for the arts as part of life at Matheson and encourage a culture of creativity, including:
- Music appreciation courses in association with the Royal Irish Academy of Music
- Employee photography competitions
- Poster competitions for employees and their families
Irish Museum of Modern Art
The Arts pillar also honours the memory of our former colleague and friend, Tim Scanlon, who was on the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and a member of the Development Council of the TCD Lir Academy of Dramatic Arts. Matheson has made a significant contribution to the cultural landscape in Ireland and has worked with IMMA since 2015, supporting over fifty artists through new commissions and major international exhibitions, including New Art at IMMA (2015 – 2018) and Irish Art at IMMA (2018 – 2019).
The Matheson Creativity Hub in Memory of Tim Scanlon
IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art) and Matheson officially opened The Matheson Creativity Hub in Memory of Tim Scanlon in March 2024. Designed by internationally renowned design practice, Studio Makkink & Bey, the Matheson Creativity Hub at IMMA combines exceptional architecture and design to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for audiences of all ages and is a tribute to Matheson's former Chairperson and IMMA board member, Tim Scanlon. The project underlines Matheson's long-standing partnership with IMMA and our shared commitment to making a meaningful impact within our communities.
The Tim Scanlon Corporate Law Bursary
In January 2022, we launched the Tim Scanlon Corporate Law Bursary, an annual scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate law students, with the winner receiving a bursary of €5,000; an internship placement in the Corporate department as part of Matheson’s Summer Internship Programme; and a piece of art by an Irish artist.
The Royal Irish Academy of Music
Matheson is partnering with The Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) for their third level degree programme, 'RIAM Holistic', to teach students about promotion (business), somatic practices (health, for example, rehabilitating performance-related injuries and anxiety) and cultural agency (contributing to society). As part of this partnership, Matheson is sponsoring a number of student bursaries, including a composition competition, an environmental creative project award and a diversity and inclusion creative project award.
Matheson Photography Competition
In 2022 Matheson began a new phase of the employee photography competition. It is now an exciting internal competition with the chance to win prizes and have your work displayed in the Dublin office and the digital screens. The talent and creativity shown across the firm in these competitions has been a pleasure to witness. Since launch themes have included areas of biodiversity, summer in Ireland and Halloween. A selection of short listed and winning photos are below.
Gargee Hiray, Shortlisted
Dearbhla O'Donovan, Winner
Daphne Lenihan, Shortlisted
Carol Whooley, Shortlisted
Fionnuala Robinson, Shortlisted
Paul Buckley, Winner