MEDIA RELEASE, OFFICE OF THE MINISTER FOR THE ARTS, 6 February 2013:

‘Fiona Menzies to head up Creative Partnerships Australia’

Arts Minister Simon Crean today announced Ms Fiona Menzies as the first Chief Executive Officer of the new single agency to drive a new culture of giving and investment in Australia’s cultural sector.

Mr Crean said the new philanthropy and social investment agency for the cultural sector will be named Creative Partnerships Australia.

“Donation, social investment and business partnerships are already essential to the innovation and sustainability of the cultural industries in Australia, but there’s much more to be done,” Mr Crean said.

“Creative Partnerships Australia is a crucial part of the strategy in the National Cultural Policy and I thank Mr Harold Mitchell who recommended this new approach in his 2012 Review of Private Sector Support for the Arts.

“Creative Partnerships Australia has the responsibility for creating a new culture of giving and investment for the cultural industries in Australia by bringing donors, business, artists and cultural organisations together.

“A strong new agency requires strong and creative leadership and I welcome Ms Menzies to the role and look forward to her working together with Chair, Ms Carol Schwartz AM.

“Ms Menzies’ experience as Development Manager of Melbourne’s Wheeler Centre over the past three years, and her extensive background in arts policy provides the industry knowledge and innovative approach required to establish Creative Partnerships Australia.”

Chair of Creative Partnerships Australia, Ms Carol Schwartz AM said Ms Menzies is recognised within the industry as a strategic and insightful voice on cultural sector development and planning.

“She will be instrumental in leading Creative Partnerships Australia to encourage and support philanthropy and investment in the cultural industries.”

Ms Menzies said she was excited about the challenge of redefining the way the Australian cultural sector is supported, working in partnership with government, donors, investors and the community.

“Australia’s funding landscape is on the cusp of a generational change and I look forward to leading Creative Partnerships Australia to drive this change,” she said.

Mr Crean announced the creation of a single agency to replace the Australia Business Arts Foundation and Artsupport Australia in August last year.

“It is a very exciting time to be involved in supporting the cultural industries in Australia,” Mr Crean said.

“Private philanthropy and sponsorship is vital for the growth and durability of the cultural industries and enables artists and organisations to plan for the future and produce high-quality, challenging and relevant work.

“I thank the staff and management of AbaF and Artsupport for the hard work in creating a success story in driving new revenue streams for the sector and guiding the establishment of the new agency.”

Creative Partnerships Australia strengthens the Australian Government’s broader work in strengthening social investment in the not-for-profit sector and encouraging entrepreneurial skills across the economy.

Ms Menzies starts in the new role this week.

Contact

For inquiries about the announcement please contact:

Georgia Brumby
Phone 0401 097 176