Major arts fund restructure sparks questions on future support
Despite assurances from recently restructured WA philanthropic organisation Minderoo Foundation that the arts will remain a priority area, its future arts plans are still not certain.
Minderoo co-founder Andrew Forrest. Image: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, Wiki Commons.
Founded by Andrew and Nicola Forrest in 2001, the Minderoo Foundation (based in Perth, WA) has been an important philanthropic contributor to WA’s economy on many levels. Until recently, it supported a diverse range of initiatives across such areas as science, education, Indigenous employment and, most importantly for the arts, arts and culture.
Before a major restructure last month, Minderoo’s philanthropy was directed through 11 separate funding categories to reflect this broad scope. This included a dedicated Arts and Culture portfolio.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
