Arts & Culture

Overview

Myer family philanthropy is synonymous with the arts in Australia. The family tradition of giving to enrich cultural life began with Sidney Myer, a passionate supporter of the arts, and remains a central focus for the family today.

Most particularly, we acknowledge the strong connection between the arts, the humanities and a healthy community – and the role Sidney Myer Fund can play in upholding the integrity of Australia’s arts community.

Sidney Myer Fund believes individual artists are the life-blood and creative force of our arts community yet all too frequently the income derived from their labours does not amount to a livelihood. Artists, like any professionals, need time to develop and practise their vocation in circumstances which support reflection and encourage risk taking.

Arts & Culture Program grantmaking

In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the Arts & Culture Program supported the survival of the Australian arts sector. The National Assistance Program for the Arts, a collaboration with 28 other funders, provided emergency relief support of $1.53 million to artists. Two commissioning initiatives are helping Victorian artists who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, and additional money has been contributed to funding pools managed by Australia Council and Creative Victoria.

A New Approach (ANA)

Australia’s leading arts and culture think tank, ANA was established by The Myer Foundation in partnership with the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and the Keir Foundation to address a shortfall in up-to-date, independent, and accurate data and research supporting investment in Australia’s arts and cultural sector.

Sidney Myer Creative Fellowships

First awarded in 2011, the Sidney Myer Creative Fellowships provide unrestricted grants of $160,000 tax free over two years to individual Australian artists, arts managers and thought leaders in the humanities. Specific outcomes for the Fellowships are not required.

Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards

Created in 1984, the Awards commemorate Sidney Myer and his love for the arts. They intend primarily to enhance the status of performing arts in Australia and recognise outstanding achievements in dance, drama, comedy, music, opera, circus and puppetry.