Winners of the 2020 Creative Partnerships Awards announced

Introducing this year’s winners of the 2020 Creative Partnerships Awards! After the year we’ve had, it’s a lovely opportunity to shine a light on the generous contributions and partnerships between philanthropists, the arts sector and the business world.

This year’s winners are:

• Emerging Philanthropist Award – Alexandra Burt (WA)
• Arts Leadership Award – Rachel Healy and Neil Armfield AO (SA)
• Business Leadership Award – Andy Penn (VIC)
• Philanthropy Leadership Award – Maureen Wheeler AO and Tony Wheeler AO (VIC)
• Arts Visionary Award – Baillieu Myer AC and Sarah Myer; and Lady Primrose Potter AC (VIC – two recipients)

“[The] awards exist firstly to recognise and celebrate the contribution that these arts supporters make with them, their families, peers and artists and arts organisations – the arts sector couldn’t achieve as much as it does without their support,” says Creative Partnerships Australia, CEO, Fiona Menzies.

The awards showcase people from all over Australia demonstrating leadership in private giving philanthropy and partnerships across the fields of arts, philanthropy, and business. To be eligible, nominees must be actively involved in developing private giving to the arts through philanthropy, partnerships, or sponsorships; promote the value of supporting the arts to the broader community; and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to a strong, sustainable future for Australia’s cultural sector.

CPA’s awards serve as inspiration to the broader arts community to get involved – and get involved in holistic ways.

“This year’s recipients include people who have been supporting the arts for decades, alongside some whose support is more recent.  What they have in common is that their support is always more than financial – they are champions for the things they support, often using their influence to make the case to others, providing advice and so on.  Every year it is a thrill to hear the passion they have for the arts and their understanding of how important the arts are to the fabric of our society,” says Fiona.

The awards and the winners:

Emerging Philanthropy Leadership Award

Awarded to an individual who is new to the philanthropic sector (within the last five years) and whose leadership and contribution to the arts is shaping the future of philanthropy and private giving in Australia’s cultural sector.

Studying ballet as a child, emerging Philanthropist Award winner Alexandra Burt, is a patron of private giving for the West Australian Ballet and a supporter of a number of other arts organisations. Alexandra builds awareness and encourages momentum of giving, not only donating gifts, but connecting in other people and organisations.

Arts Leadership Award

For an individual working in the arts and cultural sector who through their leadership, advocacy, practice and example has made an exceptional contribution to promoting private sector’s investment into Australia’s cultural life; demonstrating vision, commercial acumen and strategic thinking in their engagement with donors and business; and encouraging increased giving to the arts.

The Arts Leadership Award was won by Rachel Healy and Neil Armfield AO, joint Artistic Directors of Adelaide Festival since 2017. All festivals with Rachel and Neil at the helm have broken box office records, attracting a national audience and increasing private investment.

Business Leadership Award

Awarded to an individual working in the business sector who through their leadership, advocacy, practice and example has made an exceptional contribution to Australia’s cultural life by fostering increased investment and engagement between business and the arts.

The CEO of Telstra Andy Penn, was awarded the Business Leadership Award for his advocacy and investment in contemporary art and ethical collection of Indigenous art. A passionate supporter of emerging indigenous artists, and patron on behalf of Telstra of the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, Andy also uses his influence as a business leader. Telstra has a wide range of partnerships across the arts, including with the Australian Ballet, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Philanthropy Leadership Award

For an individual, family, group or foundation or other entity that through their leadership, advocacy, practice and example has contributed significantly to the arts and encouraged philanthropic giving to the arts.

This year the award went to Maureen Wheeler AO and Tony Wheeler AO who have supported the arts as far back as 1987 through Lonely Planet. After selling Lonely Planet in 2007, they founded Planet Wheeler Foundation supporting numerous art organisations, including a significant endowment for the creation of The Wheeler Centre in 2009. The Wheelers use their influence to highlight the economic contribution of the arts sector and promote to government and the public.

Arts Visionary Award

For an individual, family, group or foundation who has made a significant contribution to the arts over a period of time, leading to a new understanding of the arts in Australia and enabling the presentation of art that would not have been possible without philanthropic support.

There were two recipients this year for the Arts Visionary Award: Baillieu Myer AC and Sarah Myer, and Lady Primrose Potter. The Myers have been important contributors to the arts for over 70 years individually and through the Sidney Myer Fund, the Myer Foundation and their Yulgilbar Foundation.

Lady Primrose has transformed the impact of arts philanthropy in Australia through her passion, determination and hard work. At almost 89 years old, Lady Primrose has supported the Australian Ballet, Melbourne Opera and Melbourne Recital Centre.

In light of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the arts sector, it has never been more important to provide positive examples of impactful partnerships to inspire and motivate others to do the same. Congratulations to this year’s winners!