Our philanthropic family is fundamental in allowing us to achieve our goals in ensuring the future of creative Australian music. Any support is hugely appreciated. 

We invite you to consider supporting us across our various artistic programs, which centre across three priorities:

Commissioning and Presenting New Work

The creation of new artistic work is a key priority at the AAO. With our commissions, we provide time and space for artists to create their work – both in writing the compositions as well as having time in the studio with musicians to develop the work to its final form. Engaging with a diversity of artists in various stages of their career and from both Australia and abroad is what makes the AAO ensemble so unique.

The AAO commissions composers to develop new works that have improvisation as a core element and employ cutting edge contemporary approaches. The composers we commission come from various nationalities, musical, and cultural backgrounds, and we facilitate artists returning to our ensemble over the course of time. Previously we’ve engaged in the creation of new works by both established and emerging Australian composers such as jazz luminaries Andrea Keller and Eugene Ball, emerging Australian artists Julia Reidy and Jess Green, and renowned international composers Nicole Lizée (Canada), Kim Myhr (Norway) and Amir ElSaffar (USA).

Supporting First Nations artists

First Nations identifying artists feature in leadership roles in many of our projects. Many of these collaborations involve new creative work which needs time and care to develop. This can involve travel from and to remote locations.

We have recently expanded the First Nations Artist Residency Program in partnership with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. The scale of this program will be much larger in the coming years. We’re also very excited about some new collaborations with key First Nations artists in 2024 and 2025.

Our ensemble and projects bring together artists of diverse cultural backgrounds in new constellations, and several of these projects have gone on to tour nationally and internationally. These projects include: 1988, Water Pushes Sand, our 25th Anniversary Solo Series and Closed Beginnings - all of which actively acknowledge the incredible richness of Australian contemporary culture and prominently feature artists of various backgrounds.

Supporting Emerging Artists

We’ve developed a range of professional development programs that aim to pass on knowledge, experience and networks to younger generations. We consider investing in the next generation of music leaders one of the AAO’s core responsibilities and we need your support to help these programs grow and blossom.

The Creative Music Intensive (CMI) has become a pillar in our annual program and has created a meaningful experience for multiple generations of emerging artists to find their singular artistic expression. This year, the AAO will continue the legacy of the CMI while building upon new possibilities that could emerge from this immersive experience.

Our Mentorship Program connects emerging artists to members of our ensemble in metropolitan and regional locations. Our Pathfinders – Music Leadership Program appoints an Associate Artist in a 1-year role, allowing them to engage with the various aspects of running an artistic organisation.

Support the Australian Art Orchestra

To understand more about our programs, or discuss a particular project you are passionate about supporting, please reach out to our Artistic Director Aaron Choulai on aaron@aao.com.au

If you would like to donate directly, please use the direct debit details below or click on the Donate button to pay with PayPal or credit card.

The Australian Art Orchestra is a tax-deductible fund listed on the Register Of Cultural Organisations under subdivision 30-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and you will be provided with a receipt for your donation.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

To make a donation with PayPal or Credit Card, please click the link in the donate button below. You will have the option to nominate which program you wish to support through your donation, or you may contribute to the AAO’s general program. We will email a receipt of payment to you.

Direct Debit:
The Australian Art Orchestra Fund
BSB: 083 231
Account Number: 65 897 5672

Cheque:
Cheques can be made out to The Australian Art Orchestra Ltd. Cheques can be posted care of:
The Australian Art Orchestra
1 Market Street
Newport VIC 3015

For Cheque and Direct Debit: please email us to arrange a receipt of payment, and to advise which program strand you would like to direct your donation to.