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

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.