Milk Crate Theatre
Milk Crate Theatre has built long-term relationships with donors committed to the cause of marginalisation.
Michael Cullen and Cecily Hardy perform in a show at Edward Eagar Lodge in Sydney. Photo: Heidrun Lohr.
Milk Crate Theatre is different. As Australia’s leading Theatre Company dedicated to working with people who have experienced homelessness and marginalisation, its programs embrace professional theatre practice and community cultural development.
By working with Artsupport Australia, Milk Crate Theatre has been able to develop the skills and confidence it needed to build strong, long-term relationships with a range of philanthropic foundations and private donors who share the company’s passion, commitment and integrity.
Over the past three years, the theatre company has grown its program income through philanthropic and private donations from $50,000 to $250,000, gaining significant triennial funding from Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, W & A Johnson Foundation, Thyne Reid Foundation and Nelson Meers Foundation.
This funding not only supports core infrastructure but has enabled the company to expand its workshop and performance program and develop an extended education program. Some philanthropic foundations and donors have also volunteered their expertise and network connections to support Milk Crate Theatre in other ways.
‘Building active and long-term relationships with donors is important to us and Artsupport Australia’s assistance has been critical to our success in making connections with suitable donors,’ says General Manager, Katy Coote.
‘For a company working with a community that can find it hard to be heard, philanthropic funding is helping to generate awareness and deliver long-term change through the arts.’
Published 2011
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