More than €13 million was spent by corporate sponsors on arts, festivals and music sponsorship in the 12 months ending May 2018.

That's according to research undertaken to coincide with the opening of nominations for the 2019 Allianz Business to Arts Awards.

The awards, which recognise instances where corporate sponsors have successfully partnered with creative talent, are now in their 28th year.

Key categories this year include best large sponsorship, best creative staff engagement, best long-term partnership and the Allianz €5,000 community art award.

Previous award winners include Accenture, Bank of Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy, BNP Paribas, Butler Gallery, Deloitte, Dublin Port Company, ESB, IMMA, William Fry and Waterford Walls.

According to Business to Arts research, sponsors surveyed intend to increase their sponsorship spend by 42 per cent this year.

"Alongside our partner Allianz, our awards and mission is to encourage business leaders to consider the arts as a powerful and creative way to enhance community relations and to communicate social issues," said Business to Arts chief executive Andrew Hetherington.

Closing date for applications is May 1st at 5pm, with the awards event due to take place at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on September 3rd.