Golden touch: The arts philanthropists who keep an eye on Queensland
Tim and Gina Fairfax are the dynamic duo of arts philanthropy in Queensland – and they’ve done it again, with the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation announcing invaluable support for three much-loved Queensland arts companies.
It’s a struggle running an arts company. Ask anyone. The Queensland Government is supportive, the Federal Government is a bit supportive, but it’s never enough.
Which is why the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation announcement of a nine-year operational support funding agreement with three of Queensland’s most important arts and cultural organisations – Dancenorth Australia, Camerata and Crossroad Arts – will be life-changing.
This new strategic partnership program – the terms of which may constitute a first for Australia’s arts sector – builds on the foundation’s existing grant-making programs to further support these organisations to undertake genuine, meaningful, long-term planning for themselves and the communities they serve.
It’s a godsend for these companies. The announcement was made by the chair of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation (TFFF), the man himself, Tim Fairfax AC.
“This new funding program reflects our foundation’s commitment to Queensland and the Northern Territory organisations and the communities they serve,” he says. “Multi-year funding is what organisations need to plan with confidence, to strategise how best to realise their artistic vision and to build meaningful relationships in their communities.
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“Through this program, we aim to foster a vibrant cultural landscape for rural, regional and remote communities, and hope to inspire other funders to adopt similarly long-term approaches to their philanthropic activities.”
Dancenorth Australia’s artistic director Kyle Page says the Townsville-based company is thrilled.
“It is with big vision and full hearts that Dancenorth can continue creating opportunities for our dance sector and with our communities, in deep partnership with the TFFF. A funding commitment of this nature is so catalytic, it creates echoes in the ecosystem that will reverberate for years to come. Our landscape is changed because of this trust-based investment and philanthropic leadership.”
Dr Pamela Greet, chair of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, says the company “is beyond excited about this incredible and tangible acknowledgement and support of our work”.
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“We are sincerely grateful to Tim and Gina Fairfax and their family – these are fine people who aren’t just our supporters but our longstanding friends. Our relationship with the TFFF has endured over a long period of time because there is so much we value in common, not least of all sharing music with Queenslanders in regional areas. The TFFF also has a keen understanding that our work cannot happen without the strong foundations of a healthy organisation.”
Crossroad Arts’ Artist and Inclusive Arts Advisory Group member Cynthia Gregg says it is wonderful that the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation is continuing to invest in Crossroad Arts and the brighter future for arts and disability that the company helps create.
“The future development of Crossroad Arts is essential to advancing a more inclusive arts sector in Mackay, Queensland and Australia,” Gregg says.
“The nurturing environment of Crossroad Arts provides many opportunities and benefits for artists and the community at large, allowing artists like myself to thrive and contribute meaningfully. This organisation truly deserves all the support that it can be given, for continuing its brilliant practices and immeasurable impact on our lives.”
Artistic director and CEO of Crossroad Arts, Autumn Skuthorpe, echoed those sentiments and says this commitment from TFFF “elevates the representation of arts and disability and regional sectors which Crossroads Arts is very proud to be part of”.
“It sets up our artists to dream and realise long-term creative vision, and to be recognised as leaders nationally on the runway to the 2032 Paralympic Games and beyond,” Skuthorpe says.
The contribution made to the arts in Queensland by the Fairfax family is heartwarming and admirable and Queensland is lucky to have them, along with the other philanthropists who help support and inspire our arts sector.