The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Continued funding for the Australia Business Arts Foundation  

The Australian Government will provide $6.4 million over the next four years for the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) to continue to promote private sector support for the arts and cultural sector.

The Australia Business Arts Foundation was established by the Australian Government in 2000 to boost private sector support for the arts.

“In the last few years AbaF has made substantial progress in its mission to build private sector support for the arts. This funding will enable AbaF to continue its valuable work,” said the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp.

AbaF facilitates and promotes partnerships between business and cultural organisations, and hosts the annual AbaF Business Arts Partnerships Awards. It has been successful in attracting key Australian business leaders to its Board and nearly 100 business leaders to the supporting Council.

In recent years, AbaF’s focus has been on recruiting large corporations in order to establish a solid base for its activities, notably through the National Council and the establishment of State Chapters. AbaF is now building support in the small to medium sized enterprise sector, primarily through the Arts Connecting Communities programme. The programme assists local councils to develop partnerships with business and arts organisations within their region and to participate in AbaF’s programmes.

In 2003, AbaF established Artsupport Australia, a dedicated philanthropy programme. Artsupport Australia, a joint initiative with the Australia Council for the Arts, encourages best practice for organisations seeking donations, raises awareness of philanthropy opportunities among potential donors and promotes the importance of giving. AbaF also administers the Australia Cultural Fund to support arts projects and practitioners.

“AbaF has also made an important contribution to the work of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership which aims to develop and promote a culture of giving and corporate social responsibility,” Senator Kemp said.

“I am pleased that Government support will enable AbaF to continue to connect business, donors, philanthropic foundations and the arts.”

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

• The funding allows AbaF to continue its valuable work of promoting and increasing private sector support for the arts and cultural sector.

Who will benefit?

• Australian artists and arts and cultural organisations, foundations, trusts and individuals in the philanthropic sector, local councils, and business.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

• The Government is committing $6.4 million over four years.

What have we done in the past?

• AbaF is currently funded at $1.6 million per annum.

When will the initiative conclude?

• 2009–10