Philanthropy

Philanthropy is growing rapidly in Australia. A 2004 survey estimated Australians give more than a mammoth $11 billion to charities annually.

The same survey revealed that Australians gave approximately $131 million to the arts and culture in 2004. For a growing number of Australian artists and arts organisations, private income streams are their lifeblood.

About Artsupport Australia

Artsupport Australia is an initiative of the Australia Council to grow cultural philanthropy. It works closely with government, cultural, corporate, financial and philanthropic sectors to develop giving to the arts.

Artsupport Australia advises artists and arts organisations on philanthropy, providing advice and assistance to staff and boards. It also facilitates relationships between artists and philanthropists, trusts and foundations and encourages businesses to offer employees workplace giving to the arts options.

Since 2003, Artsupport Australia has assisted more than 500 arts organisations to develop their philanthropic potential. This has included one-on-one mentoring, assistance with preparing grant applications, introductions and relationship brokering, sourcing placements, and holding annual lectures and master classes.

Contact Artsupport Australia on 02 9215 9322, email artsupport@australiacouncil.gov.au or visit www.australiacouncil.gov.au/philanthropy for more information.

Initiatives

Annual lecture and masterclass
Artsupport Australia

Each year, Artsupport Australia brings a prominent international expert in fundraising to Australia for lectures and masterclasses for artists and arts organisations. The next event is scheduled for late 2008.

Indigenous philanthropy mentoring
Artsupport Australia

Artsupport Australia has matched 10 selected Indigenous arts organisations with experienced business and creative mentors for three years to increase the philanthropic income
and sustainability of these organisations. It also has a Darwin-based NT manager.

Philanthropy mentoring program
Artsupport Australia

Artsupport Australia runs mentoring programs to help arts organisations to increase their philanthropic income. To date, more than 400 organisations have been involved.

Philanthropy strategic advice
Artsupport Australia

Artsupport Australia provides one-on-one advice and assistance for arts organisations seeking to raise more philanthropic income, including help in preparing grant applications and building relationships with the philanthropic sector.