Philanthropy
Supported organisation, Kurruru Indigenous Youth Performing Arts’ Nunga Circus performers in Soaring. Image courtesy Kurruru and Come Out Festival.
Philanthropy in Australia is growing.
The most comprehensive national research into philanthropy, the Giving Australia report, showed an increase of 88 per cent in individual giving since 1997. With more philanthropists recognising the benefits of structured giving, the future of philanthropy in Australia is looking bright.
Investing in the arts can bring important social change. Yet in Australia the arts receive a relatively small slice of the philanthropic funding pie.
Philanthropy is a valuable source of income for artists and cultural organisations, allowing new artworks to be created and more community programs to make a difference.
There are many ways individuals, foundations and trusts, corporations and arts organisations can benefit from cultural philanthropy.
Artsupport Australia
The Australia Council for the Arts established Artsupport Australia in 2003 to grow cultural philanthropy in Australia.
Since then, Artsupport Australia has facilitated more than $15 million of philanthropic donations from individuals, foundations and trusts to artists and arts organisations.
The following artists and arts organisations are just some who have benefited from working with Artsupport Australia.
'It started with a leap of faith. With Artsupport Australia's guidance, philanthropy has given me the best head start I could imagine.' Glen Donnelly, viola player.
'The connections we've made mean we'll be running theatre with the homeless tomorrow, and for many days after' Beck Ronkson, artistic director, Milk Crate Theatre.
State Theatre Company of South Australia
'Philanthropy mentoring means we're taking risks that are paying off. It's easier to be courageous when you know there's someone supporting you.' Irene Jones, development consultant, State Theatre Company of South Australia.
'The Central and Western Deserts cover 350 000 square kilometres. With brokered funding our weaving workshops are reaching further.' Karin Riederer, manager, Tjanpi desert weavers.
Artsupport Australia's web presence was developed with the generous support of the Westpac Foundation.