2011 AbaF survey of private sector support for the arts

The annual AbaF survey of private sector support for the arts tracks the value of sponsorships and donations to Australian not-for-profit arts organisations. The survey tracks small and medium sized arts organisations as well as major galleries, festivals and performing arts companies.


"The terrific effort of arts companies to build connections with donors is clearly delivering results, with income from giving increasing by 10.6% to $123 million." - AbaF CEO Jane Haley


AbaF received responses from 318 arts and cultural organisations for this year's survey, using those figures to extrapolate a figure for the whole not-for-profit arts and cultural sector. The survey measures total contributions received by participating arts organisations in the form of sponsorships and partnerships (monetary and in-kind) and donations from individuals, foundations and trusts.

Summary of results

• Overall private sector support for the arts was $221 million, an increase of 4.25% from 2008-09. 
• Giving increased significantly to $123 million from 2008-09, up 10.6%. 
• Sponsorship declined by 2.7%, sitting at $98 million, the first negative growth since 2004-05. 
• The proportion of total income for arts and cultural organisations accounted for by private sector support has increased to 10.4% in 2009-10 from 9.3% in 2008-09. 

"AbaF had expected a decrease in sponsorships in 2010 since business support for the arts tends to lag the general economic performance by 18 -24 months. Australia's decrease of 2.7% was moderate compared to similar decreases in the UK of 11%." - Jane Haley, AbaF CEO

Historical figures dating back to 2001-02 show that overall private sector support for the arts has increased by 98% from $111.6 million to $221 million.

The largest share of private sector support continues to go to arts organisations in New South Wales and Victoria; although the percentage of overall support is slightly down from 71% to 65%.

By art form, the performing arts continue to attract the largest amount ($79 million) followed by art galleries ($51 million) and arts festivals ($31 million).

The full survey summary results available to download free.