In August, Philanthropy Australia published the second in a series of publications about the positive impact of Australian philanthropy. Inspiring Stories of Giving Volume 2 highlights the impact that giving has for communities around Australia, particularly regional and remote communities, and features a story on MusicNT and its partnership with TFFF.

It's an honour to feature in this new publication from Philanthropy Australia highlighting our new partnership with the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and the journey to build this connection. Non-government partnerships such as this are vital for organisations like MusicNT to continue delivering outcomes across the Territory.

– Mark Smith, Executive Director, MusicNT

MusicNT supports 3,500 members with programs, events, workshops, mentoring, recording opportunities and industry contacts. The organisation has received a three-year operational grant from the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation (TFFF), which Mark said is a gamechanger. “I wish more funders would do it. It’s the missing link,” he said. “It’s given us validation as an organisation, protection from the perils of the live event industry and increasingly fraught government funding model, and freedom to grow.”

The TFFF favours multi-year operating support, in recognition that this is the greatest need for many for-purpose organisations. “That means,” said TFFF CEO Neal Harvey, “finding good people doing good work, and resourcing them to get on with it.

“Mark is absolutely one of those people. It’s been incredible to watch that organisation’s growth in his time. Mark is incredibly well connected across northern Australia, understands community needs and is trusted by the communities, which make MusicNT an ideal partner for TFFF.

“There’s strong evidence that arts and culture are key drivers of social cohesion and wellbeing. But touring and freight is expensive, insurances are needed – all these challenges make it difficult for metro arts organisations to get out to the regions. Tim and Gina are interested in supporting those organisations in the regions already doing the great work.

“If Australia is to become the cultural powerhouse we want to be, we want our art and our artists, particularly First Nations artists, to be celebrated and loved. That’s going to require funding and support. It’s very difficult for future generations to become what they can’t see. MusicNT provides mission-critical leadership and opportunity for Territory communities.”

Read the full publicationhere. MusicNT story pages 46-49.

MusicNT is supported through the Resilience stream. Philanthropy Australia is supported through the Leadership stream.