The Fundamentals of Arts Fundraising

Understand the foundations of arts fundraising to build greater sustainability for arts organisations and artists.

Registrations for our Fundamentals of Arts Fundraising workshop are now open to organisations and individuals based in and around Gurambilbarra / Townsville.

The Fundamentals of Arts Fundraising workshop is ideal for arts organisations and artists looking for the know-how, confidence and inspiration to kickstart or grow income from philanthropy, donors, and business partners.

Join colleagues in your cultural sector gaining insights into national trends; reviewing essential fundraising principles including the differences between sponsorship and philanthropy; how to be fundraising ready; and strategic insights into crowdfunding, donor circles and trusts & foundations. The course will also explain how to find, retain and build relationships creating long term support using best practice stewardship.

The course will cover the opportunities and resources provided by the Australian Cultural Fund as well as outline matched funding programs provided by Creative Australia.

This workshop is ideal for:

Artists and arts leaders who want to learn the basics of arts fundraising, philanthropy and sponsorship
Artists and arts leaders with some fundraising experience and knowledge
or
Board members of arts organisations interested in diversifying their organisation’s income streams

This interactive workshop will cover:

Business partnerships
Philanthropy
How to make your organisation fundraising ready
Building a case for support
Fundraising strategies
How to develop a fundraising plan

And includes lunch, snacks and coffee/tea.

This is a chance to connect with your peers and learn from Creative Australia’s State Manager, Development & Partnerships (QLD), who will provide local perspective, case studies and insights on how to implement what you’ve learned.

Event Partners

North Australian Festival of Arts

This workshop has been generously supported by the North Australian Festival of Arts, enabling participation to be free for attendees.

Accessibility

Dancenorth is located on the corner of Walker and Stanley Streets in Townsville City. The ground floor of the venue is fully accessible, this includes the Dancenorth Theatre, foyer, bar, main offices and wheelchair accessible toilet. The main entrance is located at Stanley Street and accessible via wheelchair lift. There is a drop-off area outside the Clarion Hotel on Stanley Street, 50m from our main entrance

“The ‘Fundamentals of Fundraising’ workshop was a valuable opportunity to consolidate my on-the-job learning as an emerging fundraiser. From the workshop I gained a better understanding of the ‘bigger picture’ of fundraising, which I have applied every day in my role.” – Sophia Halloway, National Gallery of Australia

“Attending the Fundamentals of Arts Fundraising was a really insightful experience, providing me with the knowledge and tools required to refresh our company’s private fundraising strategy” – Katy Green Loughrey, Powerhouse Youth Theatre

About the presenter:

Matthew Higgins – State Manager Development and Partnerships (QLD) at Creative Australia

Matthew Higgins is a strategist and advocate whose work is grounded in the belief that arts, culture, and creativity are the heart of a thriving society - weaving the fabric of connection and community, shaping identities, igniting innovation, and forging pathways towards equity, inclusion, and resilience for all.

As State Manager Development and Partnerships (Queensland) at Creative Australia, Matthew contributes to the co-design and delivery of national arts fundraising capability programs and services. This includes a free coaching and advice service to empower artists and organisations with the knowledge, skills and confidence to cultivate private sector support through philanthropy and partnerships.

Matthew brings a wealth of experience across various art forms and business models, drawing insights from non-profits of varying sizes in both regional and metropolitan settings and a history of successfully nurturing private sector support for arts and culture. With over a decade of experience across performing arts, festivals, major events, and community-engaged practice, he has held roles at Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane Festival, Destination NSW, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Sydney Mardi Gras and Dancenorth Australia. As an independent producer, he has presented sell-out seasons at La Boite Theatre Company and World Theatre Festival. A City of Sydney Creative Fellowship recipient for his work with LGBTQIA+ artists, Matthew has also participated in an international festival leadership development program in Cyprus.

Passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion, Matthew volunteers as a member of the Queensland Government’s LGBTQIA+ Roundtable and Brisbane Powerhouse’s Melt Reference Group, having previously served on Townsville City Council’s Inclusive Communities Advisory Committee.