Mary Vallentine's speech at the AbaF Awards 2011
"I am particularly touched to receive this award inaugurated by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, one of Australia’s greatest arts philanthropists. It is especially meaningful for me because of her pivotal role in the building and naming of Australia’s finest concert hall, the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall of the Melbourne Recital Centre, which it is my privilege to direct.
I have been around long enough to have thanked Benson and Hedges and Dunhill in the very early days of arts sponsorship in Australia. However, it is longevity through good times and not so good times that distinguishes the real sponsorship leaders and I have been fortunate to have had associations with several steadfast and visionary corporate sponsors.
In addition to Emirates when I was managing director of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, I have seen the impact the contribution Accenture has made to the Australian Youth Orchestra, and what AUDI as Principal Partner and Etihad as International Airline Partner have enabled us to achieve at Melbourne Recital Centre. And of course CBA must rank among the longest in their support for 23 years of the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
There can be no better place for sustained support than an investment in arts education.
Nurturing creativity and expression in young people
- demonstrably improves their chances of success in life
- produces higher academic results
- far better attendance at school, and importantly
- creates an awareness, tolerance and appreciation of diverse cultures,
And these are only the extrinsic values.
The intrinsic and intangible values touch the spirit, heart, soul and mind of humankind, and are invaluable and priceless.
Could there be a better investment in our society?
All here contribute to these outcomes, and while I have been singled out for this award, tonight is about recognising the contribution of everyone in this room.
Thank you."