Tim Fairfax Family Foundation announces nine-year funding agreements with three Queensland arts organisations

The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation (TFFF) has announced three separate, nine-year, general operating support grants for three of Queensland’s most important cultural organisations. The grants have been made to Dancenorth, Camerata and Crossroad Arts.

This new strategic partnership program – the terms of which may constitute a first for Australia’s arts sector – builds on the Foundation’s existing grantmaking programs to further support these organisations to undertake genuine, meaningful, long-term planning for themselves and the communities they serve.

Chairman of the TFFF, Tim Fairfax AC said: “This new funding program reflects our Foundation’s commitment to Queensland and the Northern Territory organisations and the communities they serve.

“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,” Tim said.

“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 is a centre for dance making, collaboration and artistic exchange, based on the lands of the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, and the Bindal of Thul Garrie Waja.

Camerata is Queensland’s chamber orchestra and a company in residence at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

Crossroad Arts leads inclusive arts experiences to co-create new narratives with artists with disability that aim to change perceptions and shape the sector of the future.

Kyle Page, Artistic Director of Dancenorth said: “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,” Kyle said.

Dr Pamela Greet, Chair of Camerata commented: “Camerata is beyond excited about this incredible and tangible acknowledgement and support of our work. 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 have a keen understanding that our work cannot happen without the strong foundations of a healthy organisation.”

Cynthia Gregg, Crossroad Arts Artist and Inclusive Arts Advisory Group member commented: “I am thrilled that the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation is continuing to invest in Crossroad Arts and the brighter future for arts and disability that we will create. The future development of Crossroad Arts is essential to advancing a more inclusive arts sector in Mackay, Queensland, and Australia.

“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,” Cynthia said.

Autumn Skuthorpe, Artistic Director/CEO, Crossroad Arts said: “This significant commitment from the 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, to be recognised as leaders nationally on the runway to the 2032 Paralympic Games and beyond.”

Header image Caption: Chris Dyke and the Dancenorth Ensemble — Lighting the Dark (2024). Credit: David Kelly. Image Description: Seven dancers in dark clothes are standing in a row, each holding a red, heart shaped helium balloon. The balloons are attached to red string and hover above their heads while they look up at them.