Professional Development for the Arts
AbaF promotes private sector support for the arts through its partnering, volunteering and giving programs.
Not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, arts workers, and practising artists can acquire knowledge, skills and tools for seeking private sector support.
**New one-off special event!**
Margaret Lawrence Bequest National Lecture
"A fresh perspective on arts philanthropy"
Workshops for Organisations
Securing Successful Partnerships
Arts Business Partnerships
Business Case Approach
The Art of Good Business Seminars
Board Development
Building Relationships and Securing Donations
Effective Annual Giving
Applying to Foundations
Australia Cultural Fund Information Session
Workshops for Individuals
The Art of Good Business Seminar
Australia Cultural Fund Information Session
Artist Business Workshop
Why attend a Professional Development course with AbaF?
AbaF’s professional development workshops are developed through research and input from business and arts representatives.
Our workshops:
- are delivered by AbaF staff and practising professionals from the arts and business sectors
- provide you with the space and time to reflect upon your business practice
- include creative and theoretical knowledge with practical application
- are tailor-made specifically for artists and cultural organisations
- offer valuable opportunities to share ideas with peers
- provide detailed information packs
- offer ongoing support and services through AbaF’s adviceBank and boardBank, Connect, E-news
Registration
Click here for the timetable of upcoming workshop dates and to register securely online, or to download a registration form. Places are limited, register early to secure your place.
Click here to view verification of our SSL certificate for credit card payments
For further information
Please email Belinda Layton, Professional Development Coordinator or
phone (03) 9616 0314.
Fee for Service Workshops –
tailor-made to meet your organisation’s needs
AbaF can tailor many of its professional development offerings to meet the specific needs of a conference, organisation or membership. All workshops will be presented by AbaF’s expert facilitators and take place in your venue.
The following workshops are offered on a fee for service basis.
- Securing Successful Partnerships
- Business Case Approach
- Arts Business Partnerships
- Building Relationships and Securing Donations
- Applying to Foundations
- Effective Annual Giving
- Board Development
Contact Angela Mamalis, Professional Development Manager on 03 9616 0317 or email mamalisa@abaf.org.au to find out how AbaF can develop a learning program that meets your needs.
Publications
AbaF has published guides to accompany professional development workshops in partnering and giving. You can view and order the guides here.
The Margaret Lawrence Bequest National Lecture: "A fresh perspective on arts philanthropy" Evening lecture, FREE |
Who would benefit from this workshop?
Board members, chairs and trustees, chief executive officers, general managers and senior executives of arts organisations, responsible for setting organisational strategy and guiding its implementation.
Workshop Overview
This lecture will provide a fresh perspective on the role and potential of philanthropy in the arts. What are the factors that help an organisation increase private support? What is the role of leadership in helping fundraising to flourish?
This lecture will address how leadership encourages philanthropy in successful organisations and will offer a practical guide to building successful philanthropic relationships.
About the presenter: Frankie Airey
Frankie has in-depth knowledge of the philanthropic sector in Australia and the UK. She has worked for Oxford University, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Victorian Arts Centre and the Sydney Opera House among others. She is a member of the Association of Development and Alumni Professionals in Education and of Philanthropy Australia. In 2003 she founded Philanthropy Squared,
a management consulting firm bringing state of the arts strategic thinking to the not-for-profit sector. www.philanthropy2.com
Cost: Free. Participants will receive an information pack, refreshments and nibbles.
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Click here for more information about the Margaret Lawrence Bequest Scholarship, Executive Development for Arts Managers, and how to apply.
Click here for lecture dates
Download a PDF flyer
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Securing Successful Partnerships: two-day workshop, $275 |
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This workshop is supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation
Who would benefit from this workshop?
Individual arts practitioners and not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, board members, chief executive officers, general managers, development and marketing team members, - anyone responsible for sponsorship, philanthropy and fundraising.
Workshop Overview
Does your organisation want to engage more effectively with
business? Find out what business is looking for from an arts partnership
and develop successful strategies for connecting with business.
This workshop includes a presentation from a business representative and uses case studies from AbaF Award nominations 2001-2007, with input from senior business and arts managers.
Outcomes
- gain an understanding of the business case approach
- prepare a customised business case for your organisation
- obtain a business perspective on arts business partnerships
- analyse your assets and translate them into business benefits
- examine successful partnerships using current examples
- assess to what degree your organisation is ready to engage in a partnership
- develop strategies for researching, identifying and approaching business partners
Cost: $275 incl GST. Participants will receive an information pack, including
a copy of AbaF's Securing Successful Partnerships: a Guide for Business and the Arts
Click here for up-coming workshop dates
(no workshops currently scheduled)
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Arts Business Partnerships: one-day workshop, $125 |
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This workshop is supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation
Who would benefit from this workshop?
Not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, board members, chief executive officers, general managers, development and marketing team members, - anyone responsible for sponsorship, philanthropy and fundraising. Individual arts practitioners working on a project which requires support may also benefit from this workshop, artists are encouraged to contact us to check the suitablility.
Workshop Overview
Does your organisation want to engage more effectively with business? Are you keen to find business partners but not sure how to articulate your case?
Outcomes
- gain an understanding of the business case approach
- analyse your assets and translate them into tangible business benefits
- consider your partnership readiness
- gain insight into successful partnership
- prepare a business case for your organisation
Cost: $125 incl GST. Participants will receive an information pack, including
a copy of AbaF's Securing Successful Partnerships: a Guide for Business and the Arts
Click here for up-coming workshop dates
(no workshops currently scheduled)
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The Business Case Approach: half-day workshop, $80 |
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This workshop is supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation
Who would benefit from this workshop?
Not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, board members, chief executive officers, general managers, development and marketing team members, - anyone responsible for sponsorship, philanthropy and fundraising. Individual arts practitioners working on a project which requires support may also benefit from this workshop, artists are encouraged to contact us to check the suitablility.
Workshop Overview
There is an art to seeking partnerships with business and this workshop will explore how to engage more effectively with business.
Outcomes
• Gain an understanding of the business case approach
• Learn the uses of the business case
• Explore the elements of the business case
• Determine partnership readiness
Cost: $80 incl GST. Participants will receive an information pack, including
a copy of AbaF's Securing Successful Partnerships: a Guide for Business and the Arts
Click here for up-coming workshop dates
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The Art of Good Business Seminars: FREE |
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These seminars are supported by KPMG
These seminars will be presented by experienced business professionals in the chosen subject field.
Who would benefit from these seminars?
Individual sessions are targeted at specific audiences. Please see information below on upcoming seminar topics.
Seminar Overview
A series of introductory seminars covering a range of topics on business essentials for arts and cultural organisations and individual pracitioners. Topics can include branding, making the most of your website, intellectual property, managing your board, managing the media, strategic planning and risk management.
Outcomes
- Be introduced to good business practice principles
- Hear from key industry professionals and business leaders
- Learn about the benefits of incorporating good business pactise to enhance your work
- Understand how AbaF can assist organisations and artists to develop their key business disciplines
- Value the opportunity to network with peers
Cost: Free
Upcoming Seminar Topic
- Effective Communications
Sydney, Wednesday 21 May 2008, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Download flyer
This half-day seminar provides an overview for how arts organisations can communicate more effectively. Business and media insiders will offer an insight into how you can communicate better with journalists and leverage opportunities within the arts pages.
Find out how to maximise sponsorship opportunities and accountabilities. This seminar will also cover how you can create effective (and useful) internal and external marketing plans and how to convey key messages to internal and external stakeholders.
Who would benefit from this seminar?
Recommended for General Managers, Artistic Directors, Communications, Marketing and Sponsorship staff of not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations.
These free seminars book out early. To ensure a place, register now.
Click here for up-coming workshop dates and to register online
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Board Development Workshop: one-day workshop, $125 |
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This workshop is presented by Positive Solutions
Who would benefit from this workshop?
This workshop is specifically for board members and senior managers, Chief
Executive Officers, Artistic Directors and General Managers of not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations. More than once person from an organisation is welcome to attend, as long as at least one participant is a board member.
Workshop Overview
Maximise your board’s performance with this practical and interactive workshop. Analyse board recruitment, legal and financial responsibilities, roles and expectations, strategic planning, income generation and measuring performance, and adapt this knowledge to the specific experience of your board.
Outcomes
- Discover the most effective ways for your board and CEO to work together
- Learn how to guide your board to focus on its roles and responsibilities
- Manage the dynamics to get the best people in the best positions
- Understand the legal and financial responsibilities of not for profit boards
- An opportunity for board members and senior staff to review your governance systems
“The board was surprised at how achievable good governance can be and is really looking forward to bringing our organisation up to great governance practices. This workshop was invaluable and every arts organisation should do it!”
Emily Andersen General Manager and co-CEO, Express Media
Cost: $125 inc GST. Participants will receive a detailed information pack.
Click here for up-coming workshop dates
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Building Relationships and Securing Donations: one-day workshop, $125 |
Who would benefit from this workshop?
Individual arts practitioners and not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, board members, chief executive officers, general managers, development and marketing team members
Workshop Overview
Are you looking to develop and grow your giving program? How effectively are you connecting with your supporters? How can you make relationships translate into donations?
Develop strategies to connect with your supporters, secure donations and build a giving program. This workshop will provide you with practical tools to understand your donor’s motivations, increase their commitment and cultivate your relationships with them.
Outcomes
- Develop strategies for connecting with philanthropic supporters, to secure support through gifts and philanthropic grants
- Find out what motivates donors (individuals and foundations)
- Develop an understanding of your organisation’s ability to attract donations
- Learn to identify and approach potential donors
- Enhance your capacity to build more effective relationships with donors
- Develop your understanding of the tax obligations and legislation related to fundraising
- Participate in a panel discussion with experts from the philanthropy and fundraising sectors
Cost: $125 inc GST. Participants will receive a comprehensive information pack and a copy of AbaF’s Building Relations and Securing Donations: A guide for the Arts
Click here for up-coming workshop dates
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Effective Annual Giving Programs half-day workshop, $80 |
Who would benefit from this workshop?
Staff and board members responsible for raising donations for arts organisations, preferably with deductible gift recipient (DRG) status and having participated in the Building Relationships and Securing Donations workshop, though this is not a prequisite.
Workshop Overview
Are you looking to establish an effective Annual Giving Program? This workshop will focus what you need to do to research, develop and review a program which expands your donor support base and brings in regular income from individual donors.
Outcomes
- Identify types of annual giving programs
- Learn how to establish targets and techniques that work with your team
- Discover how to communicate a motivating cause through direct mail materials, e-newsletters, donor updates and public presentations
- Learn tools to bring in new donors and identify major givers (donor profiling)
- Gain an understanding of evaluation, stewardship and refinement of your program
- Analyse case studies of successful annual giving programs
Cost: $80 inc GST. Participants will receive a comprehensive information pack and a copy of AbaF’s Building Relations and Securing Donation: A Guide for the Arts
Click here for up-coming workshop dates
(no workshops currently scheduled)
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Applying to Foundations:
half-day workshop, $80
Who would benefit from this workshop?
This workshop is for staff and board members of not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations. Individual artists and organisations without deductible gift recipient (DGR) and Tax Concession Charity (TCC) status are welcome to attend, however, please note that the majority of foundations can only make grants to non-profit organisations which have DGR and TCC status. There are only a small number of foundations which are able to make grants to indiviudals.
Workshop Overview
Foundations can be an important source of revenue for the arts but they're not just about grants!
This workshop will help you maximise your success in approaches to trusts and foundations. It will include up-to-date information about trends in philanthropy, advice on the legal structures of foundations and an insight into the motivations and decision making processes.
Outcomes
- Learn how to identify and research good-fit foundations and uncover ‘hidden’ foundations
- Understand what your organisation needs to attract grants
- Learn how to structure and formulate an effective submission
- Examine strategies for building and managing productive relationships
Cost: $80 inc GST. Participants will receive an information pack and a copy of
AbaF’s Building Relations and Securing Donation: A Guide for the Arts
Click here for up-coming workshop dates
(no workshops currently scheduled)
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Australia Cultural Fund Information Session:
2 hours, FREE
Are you interested in attracting tax-deductible donations to support your work?
Are you a practising artist or a cultural organisation that has not yet registered for deductible gift recipient status?
Learn how you could benefit from AbaF’s Australia Cultural Fund.
Who would benefit from this workshop?
This session is for practising artists and not-for-profit cultural organisations.
Session Overview
The Australia Cultural Fund is a unique facility that enables donors to receive a tax deduction for donations to AbaF in support of cultural organisations which do not have deductible gift recipient (DGR) status and individual arts practitioners (who are unable to obtain DGR status).
“As a form of assistance, the Australia Cultural Fund was inspiration and practical support when we needed it most – the point where artists stare into the chasm of scant resources. We were able to ask for philanthropic assistance in a dignified and businesslike manner, and to be supported in a fashion that made both artistic and financial sense."
- Ailsa Piper, Director of LuminoUS which staged Hellbent at Red Stitch Actors Theatre in November 2006. A grant from the Australia Cultural Fund assisted with production costs.
Outcomes
- Learn about tax deductibility and its implications
- Find out how to register to use the Australia Cultural Fund
- Find out how you can raise donations for your projects
- Hear ideas for generating donations from individuals within your networks
- Learn from real-life case studies
For more information on the Australia Cultural Fund visit
http://www.abaf.org.au/giving/act.html
Cost: Free. Participants will receive an information pack.
Click here for up-coming workshop dates
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Artist Business:
one-day workshop, FREE
Who can participate?
Any professional visual artist is eligible even if they don’t derive much income from their art practice. If you are not sure whether you qualify, talk to us.
Workshop Overview
- Business basics – an introduction to tax, insurance, risk management and copyright
- Building relationships with clients, commercial and community galleries and artist-run spaces
- Going to market – documenting artwork and building a client base
- Promotion and media relations
This practical workshop includes presentations by industry experts, leading visual artists, gallery professionals and arts managers. There are interactive panel discussions and opportunities for Q & A sessions with the presenters.
- Want to find out how to sell more work?
- Keen to get media interest in your art?
- Like to know more about how tax and insurance affect you?
- Want to spend more time making art, and less time working at other jobs?
Whether you work full time as a visual artist, or supplement your artistic career with other work, you can improve your knowledge and skills at this free workshop. Artist Business will strengthen your business skills and help you build a sustainable art practice.
Cost? It’s free – The development and delivery of the Business Skills Development Programs and Services for Visual Artists has been made possible by the support of the Australian Government.
Participants will receive an information kit containing fact sheets, guides to
AbaF services and other specialist service providers.
