RIAM is thrilled to announce that Matheson LLP has received Disability Advocacy Programme of the Year, Ireland at the Legal Benchmarking Group Social Impact Awards 2025, recognising the neurodivergent-friendly music camp developed at the Royal Irish Academy of Music through the RIAM Holistic Programme.
The award acknowledges a partnership rooted in access, care, and artistic possibility. At its centre is Exploring the Orchestra, a summer camp created by RIAM student Adam Buttimer, which opens orchestral music to neurodivergent children, adults, and their families through carefully designed, autism-friendly concerts and participatory sessions. The camp has run in 2023, 2024, and 2025, with plans to continue in 2026.
The initiative forms part of the RIAM Holistic Programme, which equips emerging musicians with the skills, perspectives, and support they need to build sustainable artistic lives. As part of this programme, Matheson also funds three RIAM student awards focused on Environmental Creativity, Music Composition, and Diversity and Inclusion. Adam Buttimer received the Diversity and Inclusion Creative Project Award in recognition of his leadership in establishing Exploring the Orchestra.
This work reflects RIAM’s commitment to widening participation in music education and performance, and to creating environments where musicians and audiences can engage fully, authentically, and without barriers.
Michael Jackson, Managing Partner at Matheson, said the award reflects a long-standing commitment to inclusive, practical impact through the arts. He highlighted the role of the firm’s Arts Committee within its Impactful Business Programme and congratulated Adam Buttimer and RIAM for their leadership in shaping a more inclusive music landscape.
Deborah Kelleher, Director of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, said the recognition speaks to the power of partnership when values align.
“This project grows from a shared belief that music should be open to everyone. The neurodivergent-friendly music camp has created a space where families can experience music together with confidence and joy. We are deeply grateful to Matheson for their sustained support, and to Adam, his tutors, and fellow students for turning care, imagination, and artistry into meaningful action.”
Founder of Exploring the Orchestra, Adam Buttimer, described the camp as a response to a personal need and a wider gap in provision.
“I wanted to create a musical space where my neurotypical and neurodivergent family members could belong together. Seeing families across Ireland connect with music through this camp has been profoundly affirming. That impact comes from trust, collaboration, and the belief that music can meet people where they are.”
Matheson was also shortlisted at the awards for the Community Impact Award, Ireland for the Matheson Creativity Hub in memory of Tim Scanlon, and for Social Mobility Programme of the Year, Ireland for its Career First Programme.
The LBG Social Impact Awards celebrate organisations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa that demonstrate measurable progress in inclusion, community investment, and sustainability, setting new standards for social impact across their sectors.