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$130k Raised for our New Community Van 
June 7, 2023

$130k Raised for our New Community Van 

Thanks for the incredible support and generosity of our donors and communities.

News

In mid-April 2023, alongside ArtLife artists and our communities, Footscray Community Arts launched a very ambitious fundraising campaign in the hopes of securing $50k funding for a new Community Van. By reaching this target, Creative Partnerships Australia (CPA) would co-match this funding, doubling it to $100k. And we reached this goal…and more! 

This year has brought new challenges and opportunities for community arts fundraising, and we understand the financial pressures felt across the sector — one of the many reasons we are so grateful for the support and generous contributions from everyone. It is a huge achievement that will have a lasting impact on our ArtLife community. 

Image of artist Diego, Steven and Darren testing the new demo van.

For ArtLife artists Darren Aquilina, Diego Pizarro and Steven Tran (featured above) the ArtLife program has been a place to connect through safe creative expression, and the van has been a constant source of access to the wider industry, unlocking more means for inspiration and understanding of surrounding artist communities.

The rallying from our extended community, artists, staff and donors during the campaign, was nothing short of an incredible ecosystem of support and generosity, with more than 210 donors and supporters, strongly reinforcing the shared purpose of community arts, and the west. 

Image of ArtLife Community with the new demo van.

Major donations were received from; Gandel Foundation ($30k); Crispin Butteris ($10k); Australian Film, Television and Radio School ($5k) and; Besen Family Foundation ($5k), along with a couple of hundred donations from Footscray Community Arts long-term members and patrons, making it possible to reach our $50k target (and then be double by CPA!). 

With the support of these larger donations, we exceeded this target, totaling $130k! The additional funds will go towards co-commissioning an artist or arts collective to work with ArtLife on a design for the new van — watch this space. 

Image of Footscray Community Arts staff and artists at Bunnings Fundraising Sausage Sizzle.

On Monday 17th July 2023, we invite everyone that generously donated money, time, or support to a celebratory morning tea at the centre. This milestone provides the means for us to continue to trailblaze arts access, and the van will be a legacy at Footscray Community Arts for generations to come. 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. 

Footscray Community Arts  on behalf of our artists

Special thanks to:

Artists 

  • Kathryn Sutherland 
  • Diego Pizarro 
  • Darren Aquilina 
  • Jay Euesden 
  • Steven Tran

Major Donors 

  • Gandel Foundation; $30k 
  • Crispin Butteriss; $10k 
  • Australian Film, Television and Radio School; $5k 
  • Besen Family Foundation; $5k 

Supporters