Tasmanian Premier’s Arts Partnership Fund to match business sponsorship of the arts
Premier Paul Lennon, today launched the Premier’s Arts Partnership Fund, a new initiative that encourages business community support of the arts, by matching sponsorship dollars.
The State Government and Veolia Environmental Services will commit a combined total of $300,000 to the Fund over the next three years.
"That $300,000 is there to match business sponsorship to the same value, meaning a total of $600,000 in new arts sponsorship will be available to help our local artists," Premier Lennon said.
The Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) will also play a role in the new venture, encouraging business to get involved.
"The Premier’s Arts Partnership Fund is a great example of how government and the private sector can work together to build opportunities for economic growth, with all the accompanying benefits in jobs and growth for the arts," Premier Lennon said.
The program begins with a business and an arts organisation, or individual artist, forming a ‘first-time’ partnership to an agreed value, with an agreed exchange of benefits.
The business and arts partners provide a copy of the partnership contract to the Fund Review Panel to verify eligibility. The Fund then matches the business partner’s financial contribution to a maximum of $20,000 p.a. for up to three years.
"The work of talented artists promotes interest in our state, and the creative industries are a strong economic driver for Tasmania.
"That’s why this Fund is an investment not only in Tasmania’s artistic vibrancy, but also in our economic and social future," Premier Lennon said.
Michelle O’Byrne, Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, said that even a small investment by business, when doubled by the Fund, would make a significant difference to the quality and scope of an artist’s work.
"Tasmania’s burgeoning arts sector contributes enormously to our culture, identity and brand. In order to support its sustainability into the future, it’s important that we encourage business support of the arts. The Premier’s Arts Partnership Fund helps us realise this in a very tangible way," Minister O’Byrne said.
AbaF’s Manager in Tasmania, Hayley Horton said the Premier’s Arts Partnership Fund will add to the total value of private sector support in which AbaF has been involved nationally, estimated to date at $20 million.
"The original South Australian model of this matching Fund has provided a range of success stories, highlighting that business arts partnerships are good for the arts, good for business and good for the whole community," Ms Horton said.
Veolia’s group general manager in Tasmania, Ron Ward, said the company had decided to enter into the partnership because it had demonstrated long-term benefits for both the arts community and business.
"We are delighted to be putting our name to a fund that will not only help Tasmanian artists to develop their work but also sustain arts in the community into the future," Mr Ward said.
Mr Ward urged Tasmanian-based businesses to get behind the Premier’s Arts Partnership Fund.
"The arts sector in all forms is generally highly regarded by Tasmanians – which, from a business perspective, makes it the perfect vehicle for business to consider supporting through sponsorship," Mr Ward said.
More information on the Premier’s Arts Partnership Fund and how it works can be obtained by calling AbaF on 6233 5934 or by email tas@abaf.org.au. Visit AbaF on the web at www.abaf.org.au
Media contact: Hayley Horton (03) 6233 5934 / 0412 441 367