A look back at 2016 | Fiona Menzies
Our CEO Fiona Menzies shares her thoughts on what we've seen in 2016 and what we can expect in the new year.
Here at Creative Partnerships we get a helicopter view of what is being done around the country. And what we have seen in 2016 is a real increase in the number of artists using the Australian Cultural Fund and an increase in arts organisations who are engaging with their supporters in a meaningful way.
Arts organisations are also enjoying increased support. If I was to pick one single element that makes the difference in an organisation’s success in attracting and maintaining support from donors and sponsors, it would be people. In any organisation, the Chair and the CEO and the relationship between them is the key to the organisation’s success. And in relation to fundraising, an organisation absolutely needs a skilled fundraiser, but even a skilled and experienced fundraiser can only have limited success if they don’t have the support of the Chair and CEO.
This is because it is the Chair and CEO who embed fundraising across the organisation. Fundraising in arts organisations cannot succeed if it is something that is done in isolation to the rest of the organisation’s activities.
The good news is that when an organisation gets this right, the difficult job of fundraising is so much easier and more effective. And it is true, regardless of the size of your organisation.
Looking back on 2016, I feel excited heading into 2017. There is so much great work being produced by Australian artists and arts organisations and it’s attracting support from those who understand its value.
If you want to elevate fundraising in your organisation in 2017, get in touch with your Creative Partnerships State Manager now to discuss getting a plan in place.
Finally, don’t forget to nominate an arts champion for the Creative Partnerships Awards. These awards celebrate and acknowledge leaders and advocates who support the arts and encourage others to do the same. By nominating someone – perhaps a colleague or ongoing supporter of your organisation – you’re contributing to the conversation about the value of supporting the arts.
