Arts philanthropists launch $1.4 million support program for Coronavirus affected cultural sector

May 7, 2020

A group of arts and culture philanthropists have come together to provide a $1.4 million support program for the COVID-19 affected arts sector.

Recognising the challenges faced by Australia's cultural sector in adopting to COVID-19-related precautions, the philanthropic community of Australian arts supporters have collaborated to provide support to some artists and arts workers.

Philanthropy Australia’s Arts Funders Network is coordinating the distribution of philanthropic funds into the Australian arts sector, via Creative Partnerships Australia and the Australian Cultural Fund in the form of a National Assistance Program for the Arts.

The program will distribute one-off grants of $1,000 each on the basis of need, experience, and talent. The alumni of the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship program will assess applications to the program.

In co-ordinating our efforts, we hope to provide immediate relief for some artists and arts workers experiencing hardship. We recognise that our recovery from this emergency will be long and we will be there, with our community, for the duration of that journey. We know the need in the community exceeds our capacity, but we will do what we can to help those who need it most.

Application to the program have opened today (7th May) and close at midnight AEST on Sunday 10th May 2020.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in the week beginning 11th May 2020.

Participating Philanthropists and Philanthropic Entities:

Andrew Myer AM & Kerry Gardner AM
Ann & Warwick Johnson
Berwyn Roberts & Jennifer Mackenzie
Carrillo Gantner AC and Ziyin Gantner
Darin Cooper Foundation
Day Family Foundation
Doc Ross Foundation
FWH Foundation
Inner North Community Foundation
James and Diana Ramsay Foundation
Kathryn Fagg AO
Kim Williams AM
Lindisfarne Foundation
Minderoo Foundation
Nunn Dimos Foundation
Robert Bishop
Sarah Myer and Baillieu Myer AC
Sidney Myer Fund
Simon Mordant AM and Catriona Mordant AM
Spinifex Trust
Stephen Shelmerdine AM and Kate Shelmerdine
Tim Fairfax AC
The Skrzynski Family Sky Foundation
Yulgilbar Foundation

For more information and to apply for the program go to myerfoundation.smartygrants.com.au/NAPA20

Image courtesy of Karen Benton artist.

5th May 2020 - Live Performance Australia slams NSW Government’s lack of support for cultural sector in crisis during Coronavirus crisis

29th April 2020 - JobKeeper improvements needed to sustain Queensland Arts Sector

26th April 2020 - Arts groups call for Federal Government action over Coronavirus hit to industry

16th April 2020 - ABS survey shows ‘arts and recreation’ businesses as being hardest hit by Coronavirus pandemic

16th April 2020 - Coronavirus hit arts industry needs $750 million rescue package

9th April 2020 - LPA welcomes additional arts support but highlights much more is needed

2nd April 2020 - Google Arts and Culture offers virtual tours of museums and galleries during Coronavirus closures

20th March 2020 - LPA concerned over Government’s inaction in helping cultural sector survive Coronavirus crisis

2nd March 2020 - Australia Council releases resource to ‘future-proof’ arts organisations

20th August 2019 - Creative Partnerships Awards recognise philanthropic art leaders

15th July 2019 - Philanthropic support secures $43.5 million for sport in last financial year

8th August 2018 - Philanthropic, business and cultural leaders honoured at Creative Partnership Awards

4th May 2018 - Philanthropist Sam Walsh announced as new Chair for Australia Council Board

19th February 2013 - Rethinking approaches to arts philanthropy

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.