Three trade unions in Wales have been given accolades for their first ever sponsorship of the arts.

The GMB, TGWU, and Unison won awards from Arts and Business Cymru for supporting an exhibition about the black American singer Paul Robeson in Cardiff..

Robeson starred in The Proud Valley

Entitled Let Paul Robeson Sing, the exhibition portrayed the life and times of the influential star, who famously visited south Wales in the 1930s to make the film The Proud Valley.

Several organisations were honoured at a ceremony at St David's Hall in Cardiff, on Monday.

Business support for the arts in Wales is said to be worth almost �4m annually.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru won a special prize for best practice in dealing with business.

It was the fourth time the Mold-based organisation has been singled out for praise in this area.

Union dues

But it was the honouring of three trade unions at the awards ceremony in St David's Hall, Cardiff, that was particularly noteworthy.

The judges praised their sponsorship of the Robeson exhibition in March 2001 as "innovative" and benefiting a large number of people across the community.

Robeson was an activist as well as an actor

It told the story of the renowned American singer, actor and activist.

In particular it focused on the special relationship Robeson forged with the people of Wales during his long fight against oppression and racism.

The unions' sponsorship helped fund a series of workshops in communities and schools across south Wales.

It encouraged people to explore the issues raised in the exhibition through their own artistic activity and creative writing.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru won a fourth award

Director of Arts & Business Cymru Rachel Jones said business sponsorship was a crucial source of funding for the arts in Wales.

"The public sector can't sustain the arts on its own," she said.

"Partnerships between the two sectors are of huge benefit not just to the arts community but also to business."

Other award winners included:

Developing Partnership - Buy As You View Ltd - sponsorship of the Cory Band, south Wales

Small Business Partnership - Horsecomfort - stable bedding firm supporting the Equilibre Horse Theatre in Machynlleth, mid Wales

Community Partnership - Consignia - support for a BBC National Orchestra of Wales project in Corwen, north Wales

Educational Partnership - Early Learning Centre - musical toy workshop at St David's Hall, Cardiff

Staff Involvement Partnership - GE Engine Services - apprentices helped build exhibits for The Miracle of Flight at the National Museum & Gallery in Cardiff

Staff Involvement Partnership - HSBC Bank - an arts training and creativity course for staff at a branch in Mold, north Wales

Individual Award - Pam Cook, Barclays Bank - for mentoring Sandra Jones of Spectacle Theatre, Rhondda, south Wales