Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts - so important

Last night, Westpac announced a significant sponsorship of the Arts Foundation including our specialist arts crowdfunding  website, Boosted.  Westpac are also now the name partner to our flagship event, the New Zealand Arts Awards.  Westpac is supporting us to produce events throughout New Zealand, profile New Zealand artists and to increase private funding of the arts. With significant sponsorship for Boosted, they are committed to encouraging up and coming artists. As a major innovator in digital banking Westpac is aligned with our vision to use digital innovation to increase philanthropic funding of the arts. Boosted has revolutionised the way donors can support artists by combining digital technology with philanthropic strategy and a rich knowledge base. Westpac's Director of Corporate Affairs, Sue Foley says, "Westpac is dedicated to providing revolutionary digital solutions to our customers. We are supporting the Arts Foundation's own digital innovation, Boosted, to help emerging and established artists while providing exciting new ways for people to engage in the arts as donors". Foley says, "We are committed to New Zealand and believe the arts is a vital part of a healthy society. The Arts Foundation is having a profound impact on the arts in New Zealand through its awards for talented artists. We are proud to support the Westpac New Zealand Arts Awards  so we can all celebrate and support New Zealand artists". We award half a million dollars every year to artists at the Westpac New Zealand Arts Awards. All cash awards are donated by Arts Foundation patrons, with Westpac providing support for the event. Simon Bowden, Executive Director of the Arts Foundation says, "Westpac's multi-year commitment is a real milestone. It tells us we are on the right track, and gives confidence both to us in continuing our work to increase philanthropic support of the arts, and to prospective donors." To celebrate the launch of this new partnership Westpac has been announced as a ‘match donor' of a Boosted campaign for the Awards. Westpac will match all donations dollar for dollar for the first $1,000 donated on Boosted. The campaign launched today and runs to the end of month. Funds raised will cover expenses related to performances by emerging artists at the Westpac New Zealand Arts Awards after party. "Westpac's support of emerging artists is further demonstrated through their support of the after party" said Bowden. "I hope people will join us in welcoming Westpac by making a donation to the campaign".