Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV with a selection of prints donated to the National Gallery of Victoria by artist Jim Dine. Photo: Wayne Taylor.
The NGV Foundation announced on Monday that it has recorded its highest year of philanthropic support on record with $39.7 million raised in the last financial year (2016-17).
Part of that support was the extraordinary gift of the $17.9 million Shaw Bequest from the estate of Professor Alan Shaw AO, and his wife Mrs Peggy Shaw, who were dedicated supporters of the NGV for over 30 years.
Of the $39.7 million raised, over $25 million was in monetary donations, bequests and philanthropic grants, and over $14 million in donated cultural assets.
Among those assets were Ai Weiwei’s donation of a human rights installation made of Lego and Jim Dine’s gift of 249 prints.
Significant donations and grants were made by NGV supporters Krystyna Campbell-Pretty; Leigh Clifford AO and Sue Clifford; John Downer AM and Rose Downer; The Nicole Chow Family Foundation; The Neilson Foundation; Peter Clemenger AO and Joan Clemenger AO; Fox Family Foundation; Ken Harrison AM and Jill Harrison.
‘This exceptional performance in fundraising will play an important role in the growth of the NGV in the coming years. It is the wide ranging and continued generosity from the community that ensures the NGV can keep doing what it does best,’ said Mr Leigh Clifford AO, Chairman, NGV Foundation Board.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley added: ‘Victoria’s cultural life, like many other areas of our society, is underpinned by the generosity of individuals who are passionate about making a difference. In 2016-17 we saw a surge in community support for our gallery, with incredible gifts that will enhance the NGV’s offering and provide inspiration to Victorians for generations to come.’
