IFACCA co-hosts international summit on funding of major performing arts

IFACCA, 06 March 2008

Thirty delegates from 16 countries met in Adelaide, Australia, 26 to 29 February 2008, to share their expertise on how governments support major performing arts organisations.

The mini-summit, which was co-organised by the Australia Council and the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), brought together delegates of arts councils and ministries of culture from Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. The mini-summit was scheduled to enable delegates to attend events at the Adelaide Festival, the Adelaide Fringe and the Australian Performing Arts Market.

Delegates heard from prominent Australian guest speakers, including singer and public advocate of the arts, Robyn Archer, Director of the Strategy Lab of advertising agency JWT, Peter Steidl, and President of the Myer Foundation, Carrillo Gantner.

‘The meeting provided an unprecedented opportunity for chief executives and senior managers from arts councils and ministries of culture around the world to discuss the issues and challenges of supporting major performing arts organisations,’ said Australia Council CEO, Kathy Keele.

Delegates debated the key areas of interest and concern in financing the major performing arts, as identified in a preliminary report (see http://www.ifacca.org/topic/support-for-major-performing-arts-organisations/ ).

‘Key areas of interest were: financial viability and sustainability (including earned income); governance and leadership of major organisations; and how to assess the artistic quality and community impact of major organisations,’ said Sarah Gardner, Executive Director of IFACCA.

Delegates also advanced a research project based on a global survey of the topic. Further details on the mini-summit and the research project will be featured in future editions of ACORNS.

The mini-summit was followed by the 21st meeting of the board of IFACCA, at which representatives of the National Arts Council of South Africa presented plans for the 2009 World Summit on Arts and Culture in Johannesburg. The board also discussed projects on intercultural dialogue, climate change, arts advocacy, and the independence of government funding of the arts. In addition, a corporate planning session, led by Dr Peter Steidl, provided an opportunity to discuss IFACCA’s direction as it approaches its ten-year anniversary. The board appreciated the rare opportunity to have IFACCA secretariat staff participate in the meeting.

IFACCA (www.ifacca.org) is the global network of national arts funding agencies. Its international headquarters is located in the Australia Council’s offices in Sydney.

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