Media Releases

New AMPAG Executive Director announced

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:34:00 GMT

The Australian Major Performing Arts Group today announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Ms Bethwyn Serow.

For the past 10 years Ms Serow has fulfilled various roles at the Screen Producers Association of Australia, most recently as Policy Manager.

The Australian Major Performing Arts Group, or AMPAG, is the umbrella group for Australia’s 28 major performing arts companies in theatre, circus, contemporary dance, ballet, chamber music, symphonic music and opera.

Mr Derek Young, AMPAG’s chair, said he was delighted with Ms Serow’s appointment.

‘I’m sure Bethwyn will be a great contributor to Australia’s performing arts environment, and to AMPAG in particular. Her extensive experience in policy development, lobbying and advocacy will enable AMPAG to continue the excellent work of her predecessor, Ms Sue Donnelly, who today leaves the organisation to head up the Queensland Theatre Company.’

Mr Young commended Ms Donnelly on her three excellent years at AMPAG, especially her skill in bringing the organisation into the arts policy arena as a major player.

‘She has created at AMPAG an exciting momentum and drive in its advocacy and representational work for our major performing arts companies.’

‘There are a range of opportunities and challenges for AMPAG companies arising out of digital convergence and the rollout of the NBN—and Bethwyn’s experience and knowledge of Australia’s screen industry will be of great value to AMPAG,’ Mr Young said.

At SPAA, Ms Serow has represented the organisation and its individual members at industry forums, as well as to government on international trade and co-production policies.

She has advised producer members on various issues including: employment contracts for performers and writers, practical application of tax incentives and potential partnering and networking opportunities.

Ms Serow said: ‘I look forward to joining AMPAG to build on the tremendous work that Sue and the AMPAG Board have done, and exploring and addressing new opportunities and challenges evolving in the digital environment.'

‘Her knowledge and experience are robust and relevant,’ Mr Young said, ‘and will directly translate to the performing arts sector.’

‘Bethwyn Serow, in her leadership position at AMPAG, will be a critical and capable link between our members, government, our supporters and our audiences.

‘Her appointment to AMPAG will continue to strengthen the impact of Australia’s major performing arts companies on the nation’s rich cultural life.’

Contact:
Janet Millar 0412 678 551

Arts sponsorship weathers economic downturn

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:30:00 GMT

A report released today has found corporate sponsorship and private donations of Australia’s major performing arts companies, although remaining steady during the global economic downturn, show the sector’s future remains volatile.

The Australian Major Performing Arts Group’s (AMPAG) Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations 2011 survey found total revenue from corporate sponsorship, private giving and net fundraising events within the major performing arts sector increased $5.8 million or 11.9 per cent to $54.6 million.

“Despite these figures, much of the increase was affected by results of The Australian Ballet and Sydney Theatre Company, both of whom reported increases in private giving exceeding $2 million each,” said Sue Donnelly, AMPAG Executive Director. “Corporate sponsorship earnings increased by just $0.2 million or 0.8 % in 2010. This increase represents the third consecutive year of growth but they are significantly below CPI,” she said.

Sixteen of the 28 companies in the survey reported an increase in earnings from the corporate sector in 2010 with the remainder reporting a decline. Queensland companies were the only group to universally report increases in earnings from corporate sponsorship in 2010.

“There’s an expectation from the Federal Government that increased sponsorship from the corporate sector, coupled with private donations, will fill the gap while public funding remains static. But this is clearly not translating for most of the companies as they seek new partnerships with the private sector,” Ms Donnelly said.

“A closer examination of the data reveals five of the 10 NSW companies reported earning $3.9 million more in 2010 compared to 2001, while five companies report earning $3.2 million less. This pattern is reflected across the country, indicating a ceiling in earnings from corporate sponsorship may have been reached,” Sue Donnelly said.

“It is still much easier for companies to raise funds in Melbourne and Sydney. Queensland, however, bucked the national trend reflecting both an increased involvement of Queensland based corporations and the greater emphasis of the State Government seeking excellence in the performing arts sector,” she said.

Philanthropy and private giving account for a substantial part to the nation’s major performing arts companies fundraising activities going up by $5.4 million or 27.2 per cent on 2009 results. The Australian Ballet and Sydney Theatre Company figures accounted for 89 per cent of the increase.

“This growth in philanthropy reverses figures in 2001 when corporate sponsorship made up 72 per cent of total sponsorship and donation revenue nation-wide. In 2010 survey this share has fallen to 49 per cent,” she said. “In time, it may well outstrip the proportion of corporate sponsorship especially if the Mitchell Review of Private sector investment for the arts comes up with some new and interesting tax recommendations”.

AMPAG BACKGROUND
AMPAG is the umbrella group for the 28 major performing arts companies of Australia. Based in six states, the companies produce and present vibrant performance for Australian and international audiences in dance, drama, music, opera and circus. Although most of the companies’ revenue is from box office, corporate and private sources, they receive direct investment from the Federal and State Governments.

ABOUT THE SURVEY
Now in its tenth year the Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations 2010 Survey, a project of the Australian Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG) tracks and analyses levels of corporate sponsorship and private donations for the major performing arts sector for the years 2001 – 2010.

MORE KEY FINDINGS

Philanthropic revenue

Major performing arts companies are substantially increasing their investment into securing private giving. In 2010, $5.3 million was spent to raise donation income, $1.4 million or 34.2 per cent more than 2009 levels.

In 2001, private giving made up 25 per cent of total sponsorship and donation revenue. By 2010, this proportion had increased to 46 per cent driving the overall reported increase in earnings for the sector. This increase has not been smooth with peak years often proceeded by a drop in income the following year.

Corporate Sponsorship

Major performing arts companies reported an increase of $0.2 million / 0.8 per cent in corporate sponsorship earnings in 2010. While this increase represents the third consecutive year of growth, earnings in both 2009 and 2010 tracked significantly behind CPI.

In 2001, corporate sponsorship made up 72 per cent of total sponsorship and donation revenue. By 2010, this share had fallen to 49 per cent. While proportional increases in private giving have outpaced growth in corporate sponsorship, sponsorship still provides the largest proportion of revenue to the sector.

State Based Analysis

Corporate sponsorship income levels for New South Wales companies have remained essentially static for the past five years suggesting a ceiling may have been reached. NSW companies reported a 23.1 per cent increase in private giving in 2010, continuing the upward trend of sustained increases reported since 2003.

In Victoria, total corporate sponsorship, donation and net fundraising event income increased $2.3 million on 2009 results. Victorian companies have successfully increased private giving over the past ten years. They however report lower than expected income from corporate sponsorship.

Western Australian companies have capitalised on the mining boom in recent years and reported significant increases in corporate sponsorship earnings. In 2010 however, three of the four companies have reported a decline in earnings from this source. Private giving for Western Australian companies is also comparatively low.

Queensland companies were the only group to universally report increases in corporate sponsorship in 2010. Companies reported an increase of $624k in total corporate sponsorship, donation and net fundraising event income in 2010 compared to 2009 results.

South Australian companies collectively reported a decrease of $251k in earnings from total corporate sponsorship, donation and net fundraising event income. This result was due to the result of a single company. The remaining two companies reported modest increases.

Election messages for the performing arts

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:30:00 GMT

Endorsed by the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association (APACA), Australian Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG) and Live Performance Australia (LPA)

The latest Australia Council for the Arts research, along with independent research undertaken by Live Performance Australia, has shown that the arts are strongly supported by the Australian community[i]. Live performance brings together members of the community to be entertained, enriched and enthralled. There are in excess of 15 million attendances at live performances each year, generating an industry value add of $1.1 billion[ii]. Federal Government investment in music and live performance is extremely important and is around

$123 million pa or 0.04% of total government spending. This is equivalent to around 1.5 cents per Australian, per day, year[iii]. The music and live performance sector creates about 30,500 jobs[iv] and contributes over $1 billion to GDP[v]. This is a return on investment for the Federal government of about 800%.

AMPAG, LPA and APACA acknowledge that it is not the role of Government to ensure the sustainability of the sector. However with comparatively small additional funds, inefficiencies in the current system of support could be addressed, improving outcomes for communities throughout Australia.

1. Increased support for the development and presentation of new Australian work

The importance of developing new Australian work should not be underestimated. New Australian works define

national identity, provide the opportunity for innovation & creativity and enhance the reputation of Australia internationally. New works of today are the classics of the next generation. Even more importantly, they create employment for many artists, technicians, craftsmen and other workers. However as

with any new innovative “product”, new Australian work needs to progress through multiple stages of development to reach a premiere season. As with other industries, the benefit of venture capital and seed funds are crucial to the creation of new work, and become even more necessary the larger and more complex the piece[vi]. Although Government funding does exist for these various phases of development, it is limited in scope and often requires reapplication at each stage. There is no grand vision.

Recommendation 1:

Establish a fund of $5Mpa (with an upper individual investment of $250K) which allows robust investment in the development and initial presentation of exclusively new Australian work across all genres. This would be open to both the not for profit and commercial sectors.

2. Greater Support for Touring – regionally and internationally

Regional
Once a work is created, touring ensures that it has greater longevity and provides the best possible return on the initial investment made by the government, private sector and other partners. Although it is not always the case, regional touring is often facilitated by the Playing Australia fund. The present fund of $6.3 million pa has been oversubscribed for many years resulting in many companies disengaging with the process, especially those with works of scale or more challenging works.. Increasing the value of the fund would provide significant benefits in regard to increasing the breadth, diversity and quality of works seen by audiences in regional and remote Australia, and assist in meeting the significant unmet audience demand.

Recommendation 2:

Increase the existing Playing Australia fund by $2m per year.

International
International touring provides Australian artists with challenge and exposure to new environments, further boosting their ability to engage with and entertain the Australian public. For trade, and international relations, cultural ties are an enduring and effective way to build networks in both the public and private sectors. International touring reinforces Australia’s standing as a stable, sophisticated and creative nation with a diverse culture. It also promotes more positive images of our internal relationships, improves market access for Australian cultural exports and promotes Australian tourism and education. Yet opportunities are lost because of lack of a cohesive vision and sufficient funding for an international touring program.

The Australia International Cultural Council (AICC) provides $500K pa to support international touring with an upper limit of $40K for a grant. Clearly this is insufficient to tour anything but the smallest touring parties. The Australia Council also provides some limited international touring support. It is our contention that a fund of $10Mpa, based on a three year business cycle, is required to sufficiently respond to demand for Australian works overseas, be they a commercial product like a new Australian musical sought by Broadway or Asia or an invitation to an arts company to appear at a key international festival or on a major international touring circuit.

An eoport fund of this nature would allow Australia to better respond to international opportunities, undertake more significant cultural diplomacy and further position itself as a creative and exciting partner for innovative investment projects.

Recommendation 3:

Create a fund of $10Mpa for a minimum of three years to assist the international touring of new Australian work. This would be open to major festivals, companies and commercial producers.

3. Soft Infrastructure [Investing in People]

The investment made by the Federal government in performing arts product is inhibited from being its most effective by the absence of a strong foundation of skilled people and fully resourced performance spaces.

Whilst extensive infrastructure exists throughout the country it is failing to realize its full potential due to key skills gaps (e.g. venue technicians, venue based producers, audience development).

The provision of targeted training programs to address these gaps will greatly maximise the investment made in both touring and infrastructure.

As with other industries, in order to address these gaps a coordinated approach is required to implement training for what were previously considered “on the job skills” such as technical production, management and entrepreneurial producing.

Recommendation 4:

That the Federal Government coordinates a Performing Arts Industry Training Task force involving the three levels of government and relevant industry partners to develop a strategy which addresses specific skills gaps.

Summary

These four recommendations will provide increased audiences, greater artistic innovation, more jobs and improved revenue, thereby positioning performing arts companies and groups to better attract philanthropy, private investment and sponsorship and ultimately reduce reliance on government investment.

[i]

Australia Council for the Arts. (2010). Australian participation in the arts: summary. Australia Council for the Arts; Live Performance Australia (2010) Size and Scope of the Live entertainment industry

[ii]

Live Performance Australia (2010) Size and Scope of the Live entertainment industry

[iii]

Australian Bureau of Statistics. Government finance statistics Cat No. 5512.0 and Cultural Funding by government 4183.0. In 2007/08, total government arts funding was $1,788 million. Total government GFS expenses was $278,330 million

[iv]

Centre for International Economics. (2009). Creative industries economic analysis final report. Prepared for Creative Industries Innovation Centre. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2006). Census of population and housing

[v]

2007/08 industry gross product for “music and the performing arts,” based on IBISWorld reports. Centre for International Economics. (2009). Creative industries economic analysis final report. Prepared for Creative Industries Innovation Centre

[vi]

The Opera Australia production of ‘Bliss’ which premiered this year to critical acclaim took 10 years to develop because of the difficulty in raising funds at the various stages of development. It is now heading to the Edinburgh International Arts Festival.

Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations 2009

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:14:00 GMT

Now in its ninth year the Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations 2009 Survey, a project of the Australian Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG), clearly demonstrates the success of the 28 non profit, major performing arts companies in securing private and corporate income. The Survey tracks and analyses levels of corporate sponsorship and private donations for the major performing arts sector for the years 2001 – 2009.

Report findings show that total sponsorship and philanthropic support over the nine year period has increased $18.4 million or 60.8 percent since 2001, when the Survey first commenced, with earnings continuing to track ahead of CPI levels. However companies did not remain completely unscathed from the global financial crisis with a slight decline of $0.1 million (0.3 per cent) in earnings on 2009 figures.

Media Release: Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations 2009
Key Findings: Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations 2009

Investing in Education

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:35:00 GMT

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Achievements

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:03:00 GMT

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Corporate support marginally down but individual giving up

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:00 GMT

The seventh annual report on private and corporate income earned by the 28 major performing arts companies reveals that over the five year period 2004-08 $49.6 million was achieved, an increase of $11.8 million since 2004. While the proportion of corporate sponsorship has declined from 2004 – when it represented 68% – to 55% in 2008, the amount of individual donations has increased substantially and now makes up 40% of this income stream.

Media Release: Corporate Sponsorship & Philanthropy, July 2009

Arts philanthropy growing strongly 2008 Survey finds

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:00 GMT

AMPAG’s 2008 Survey Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donation has found that donations jumped nearly 45 per cent in 2007 to more than $17 million, and more than doubled over the past five years. Although Corporate Sponsorship growth has slowed, overall income from corporate and private sources has grown by 38 per cent over the five years tracked in the survey.

2008 Survey – Key findings

“We All Play a Part” Campaign Launched in Sydney

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:42:00 GMT

A coalition of national arts organisations and leading Australian artists has pledged to promote the part played by all Australians in making the performing arts industry a national and international success.

They launched an advocacy campaign at the Sydney Opera House centred on the theme that “We All Play a Part” in the performing arts industry.

The Australian Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG), in association with Live Performance Australia and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance brought together a variety of Australians, including campaign ambassadors Don Spencer and Leah Purcell along with commercial producers, non-profit companies, performers, set designers, school students, school teachers and tradespeople to mark the beginning of the campaign.

Also partnering with the campaign is the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association and the Australian Network for Art and Technology. This is first time such a broad coalition of representative bodies from the arts have come together for an advocacy campaign.

AMPAG Chair Derek Young said the launch of the campaign marked the renewed confidence in the performing arts industry at a time of growing audiences and greater participation by Australians in creative industries.

“The We All Play a Part campaign will highlight the importance of the performing arts to Australia’s future as a strong, vibrant nation that is a world leader. We All Play a Part in realising these opportunities,” Mr Young said.

“Research indicates that the performing arts plays an important role in boosting skills in our workforce, improving our kids’ education, boosts the economy and builds stronger communities.

“The arts industry contributes around $8 billion to the Australian economy every year in commercial, non profit and government sectors.

“Australia’s performing arts also develop world class talent that tours the globe, while millions of Australians enjoy these performances at home. Each year, nearly 16 million admissions are issued to popular concerts, theatre, opera, musicals or dance performances in venues in the cities, suburbs and country towns around the country.

“At today’s launch, we saw artistic directors, performers, carpenters, set designers, costume makers, families, school children and teachers come together in recognition of how We All Play a Part in making a real difference for Australia through the performing arts.

“The performing arts builds social infrastructure in communities around the country, particularly through touring programs that inspire and build grassroots cultural activities.”

“AMPAG and its partners believe it is important that the significant contribution of the performing arts is recognised and supported by all Australians,” Mr Young said.

Sydney Theatre Company Co Artistic Directors Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett have added their support to the campaign:

“Australia’s performing arts industry illuminates all that is great about this country – Australians from many different backgrounds working together with tight timeframes and even tighter budgets to produce outstanding performances.”

Watch for more news on the campaign and visit the campaign web site.

Growth over five years in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:41:00 GMT

Release of Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations Survey 2007

Tracking Changes 2007

AMPAG applauds “Australia on the World Stage”

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:41:00 GMT

AMPAG’s response to the announcement this week by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade about new funding to take Australian artists and performing arts companies to international audiences. The new funding is part of the 2007 Budget.

World Stage Media Release

AMPAG welcomes the Government’s latest investment in the arts

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:39:00 GMT

A boost for Australian arts and culture that will be felt for years to come.

Download the PDF

Time for commitment to free speech – AMPAG calls for changes to sedition laws

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:39:00 GMT

The Australian Major Performing Arts Group today called on Federal Attorney-General Phillip Ruddock to drop the term sedition from Federal laws as recently recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission.

Executive Director Helen O’Neil said AMPAG urged the Attorney-General to take up the recommendations to protect commentators, artists and activists from criminal prosecution even when their ideas were unpopular or confronting – as long as they don’t urge the use of violence.

“Performing arts companies believe it is very important for the Australian Government to make a clear commitment in law to the right to freedom of expression at a time when Australians (including Australian artists, writers, actors, directors and musicians) are exploring and debating the meaning of national values.”

“The Australian Law Reform Commission has given the Government 27 recommendations for changes to recent anti-terrorism reforms, many aimed at creating a clear distinction between free speech and conduct calculated to incite violence in the community. Their implementation would send a clear message that the country is proud of its tradition of robust democratic debate,” Helen O’Neil said.

The Attorney-General asked the ALRC to investigate the sedition provisions contained in last year’s anti-terrorism laws, after a Senate committee did not support them, and after a public debate on whether they would lead to censorship and self-censorship in media, theatres, libraries and galleries.

AMPAG is the umbrella group for the 28 major performing arts companies. Based in six states, the companies produce and present for Australian and international audiences in music, drama, dance, opera and circus.

For further information: Helen O’Neil 0417 230 540 or oneilh@ampag.com.au and see www.ampag.com.au

Call to change sedition laws

Simple measures to boost music in education

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:38:00 GMT

AMPAG calls for a national fund — Performing Partnerships — to boost support for teachers in schools. the fund would expand professional development for teachers with music and performing arts curriculums, cover the gap between performance fees and the costs of bringing live performance to young Australian students, and develop high quality support materials. The fund would allow expert musicians and other artists support teachers as they develop creative skills of students and help them experience the richness and depth of the artistic traditions in Australia.

The call came at the Australian Music Workshop held to consider recommendations of the National Review of School Music Education.

Music Education

Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Donation 2006

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:38:00 GMT

Corporate sponsorship and donations to Australia’s 28 major performing arts companies rose 11.7 per cent in 2005, with the companies generating $42.2 million in sponsorship and donation revenue, compared with $37.8 million in 2004 (up $4.4 million).

Media Release – Tracking survey 06