Sharing extraordinary stories of mega gifts and multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns from the arts leaders who delivered them.
Host
Melissa Smith, Noble Ambition
Researcher
Rachel Tolosa Paz
Commissioned By
Creative Partnerships Australia, in partnership with Noble Ambition
In partnership with
In the past decade Australia has had more record-breaking multi-million-dollar gifts announced than ever before, transforming the cultural sector for the benefit of dancers, actors, writers, researchers and audiences everywhere.
Our podcast series celebrates the philanthropists who have given generously to these campaigns and shines a light on the often hidden stories of how these gifts were established.
Join us as we draw back the curtain to hear directly from the individuals who made these campaigns happen. Meeting the leaders of some of Australia’s greatest arts companies – The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company, the National Library of Australia and others – and hear how they galvanised Boards, fundraising teams and donors into making the impossible, possible.
Episodes
Subscribe now via Apple Podcast, Spotify or your preferred podcast channel.
Episodes 1 | Now available
Global financial crisis, Simon Mordant, 3 months and a call from Anthony Albanese: this is the story of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s $53 million campaign.
Featuring Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, former CEO, Museum of Contemporary Art.
Episode 2 | Now available
Hidden rooms, John Wylie, Jane Hansen and tattooed skateboarders: this is the story of the State Library of Victoria’s $28 million campaign.
Featuring Kate Torney OAM, former Director, State Library of Victoria
Episode 3 | Now available
The $30 million shower curtain: this is the story of Sydney Theatre Company’s landmark Wharf Renewal campaign.
Featuring Patrick McIntyre, former Executive Director, Sydney Theatre Company
Episode 4 | Now available
Succession, vision, uncertainty then the Neilson Nutshell: this is the story of Bell Shakespeare’s $3 million dollar gift.
Featuring Peter Evans, Artistic Director, Bell Shakespeare
Episode 5 | Now available
Physios in cupboards, dancers at dinners and unwavering confidence: this is the story of The Australian Ballet’s $15 million’ Raising the Roof’ Campaign.
Featuring Libby Christie AM, Executive Director, The Australian Ballet
Episode 6 | Now available
Ryan Stokes, Dame Nellie Melba and Patrick White’s reading glasses: this is the story of the National Library of Australia’s $30 million campaign ambitions.
Featuring Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General, National Library of Australia