Philos Patrons
Philos (fee'-los) - loving, friendly
Like any arts organisation, Ten Days on the Island is funded by a variety of sources. A very high percentage of the budget is invested in the artistic programme, the core of the success of the festival and its engagement with the communities of Tasmania. Besides a significant grant from the State Government and earned box-office income, Ten Days also enjoys substantial support from sponsors, business partners and donors.
The Ten Days Philos Patrons programme originated in 2005. At the root of the word “philanthropy” and reflecting the Greek heritage of the founding member of the programme, Philos means ‘loving’ or ‘friendly’ in Greek.
Patrons of the Philos programme, however, play a more significant role in the development and support of the event than merely friends. They are part of the artistic family of Tasmania, embodied by the biennial event. By pledging financial support to Ten Days, Philos Patrons are demonstrating a major commitment to nurturing and encouraging the cultural engagement of Tasmanians.
From the outset, the Philos Patrons programme has invested support in new commissions, exciting and original pieces that carry significant risk. Working closely with some of the talented and exciting practitioners based in Tasmania, Ten Days has demonstrated that with the freedom that financial support brings, locally based artists can create work that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest pieces in the international marketplace. The first piece funded by Philos Patrons support was a new theatrical work for children, The Garden of Paradise, based on the work of Hans Christian Andersen, and created by some of Tasmania’s finest artists including Terrapin Puppet Theatre and Tasdance. In 2007 Philos Patrons supported the festival’s first international co-commission, Mercy: a Dance for the Forgotten by Tasdance with the Southern Lakes Festival of Colour in New Zealand. 2009 saw Philos Patrons invest in Trust, a significant state-wide visual project developed in association with the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania), the Tasmanian School of Art and the University of Tasmania, which saw a ground-breaking series of site-specific installations from eight prominent Tasmanian visual artists in five major National Trust properties across the state.
Each of these three Philos Patrons supported projects has engaged with different elements of the Tasmanian community, and thanks to the generosity of the Philos Patrons, a significant number of local artists has had the opportunity to create new work.
Pledge (plej) to promise to give - Pledging to the Philos Patrons
By becoming a Philos Patron, you too can play a part in the future of the arts in Tasmania, and can be reassured that your tax-deductible donation will be used to support the creativity of Tasmanian based artists in 2013. The entry level to the Philos Patron's programme is $5,000 over two years. As a Philos Patron, you are a key member of the Ten Days creative community.
You will be invited to attend a number of key events:
- The biennial celebratory lunch hosted by the Premier of Tasmania,
- The opening nights of Ten Days 2013 in Hobart and Launceston and the associated VIP hospitality functions
- An exclusive Philos Patrons hospitality event associated with the Tasmanian piece commissioned with Philos Patrons’ support and the opportunity to meet the creative practitioners involved in this piece.
- An exclusive annual Philos Patrons lunch or cocktail party where you can meet with Ten Days Artistic Director Jo Duffy, Chairman Sir Guy Green and General Manager Marcus Barker and learn more about the intricacies of planning this major creative and logistical event
In addition, you will enjoy complimentary tickets to an agreed number of events of your choice over the event and personal service to help you book additional tickets.
To discuss the Philos Patrons programme in more detail and how your contribution can make a significant difference to the development of Ten Days and its impact across Tasmania, please contact Marcus Barker, General Manager on 03 6233 5700
Ten Days Philos patrons
Althaus Family
Bridstowe Estate
Casimaty Family
Chau Family
John Dickens & Dr Ian Payne
Chris & Prue Edwards
Hobart Eye Surgeons
Hunn Family
Ken Latona & Sabrina Pirie
McQuestin Family
Watkins Family
With thanks to those Philos Patrons who wish to remain anonymous.
