WA Ballet Reception

The Governor and Ms Annus hosted a reception for WA Ballet to celebrate the Planned Giving and Endowment Fund that helps provide additional resources for the general operations of West Australian Ballet (such as dancer salaries, annual seasons), and specific projects (such as Young Artist Scholarships, Commissions and Access Programs).

WAB launched the West Australian Ballet Endowment to:

• Ensure financial sustainability in perpetuity;
• Provide a stable income stream for the future; and
• Build a secure asset that will safeguard the future of the State Ballet Company.

“It’s hard to believe that almost exactly a year ago we gathered to launch the West Australian Ballet Endowment. Many of you will will recall that night – Alexandra Burt announced that – together with husband Julian and the Wright Burt Foundation – she would make a starting gift of $500,000 and in addition, would match all gifts to the Endowment up to $2 million.

Incredible generosity was further demonstrated by Jack Bendat AM who, through the Bendat Family Foundation, committed $1.6 million to create a permanent fund to support a Young Artist Scholarship for the WA Ballet. 

I would like to congratulate everyone, because you have been leaders in achieving an amazing result. Not only have you and our wider community achieved the ambitious fundraising goal of $2 million, but you have exceeded it, and what’s more, you have done it in the middle of a global pandemic. 

In addition, tonight we have a special presentation to make.  Many of you will be aware of the great work done by Creative Partnerships Australia, a national organisation devoted to fostering giving and partnerships between the cultural sector, supporters and investors; and to equipping artists and arts organisations with the fundraising and development skills to succeed, to create a more vibrant and sustainable cultural sector for the benefit of all Australians.

On behalf of Creative Partnerships Australia, represented by State Manager James Boyd and Board Director John Barrington, it is my great honour to award Alexandra Burt with the National Emerging Philanthropist Award.

Alex, congratulations, you make all of us in Western Australia so proud.  Through your generosity, you have raised awareness of a new type of giving that will help arts organisations provide for a more sustainable future. I applaud your vision and your foresight, you are helping a new day to dawn for our arts organisations – and particularly West Australian Ballet – for the benefit of all West Australians.

The Governor

The Governor is proud to be patron of WA Ballet

View all Articles